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Tag: Windstorm

  • Windstorm claims 4 lives, destroys 1,637 houses in Yobe

    Windstorm claims 4 lives, destroys 1,637 houses in Yobe

    Windstorm, accompanied by torrential rainfall, has killed 4 persons and destroyed 1,637 mud houses in Yobe since May 9.

    Dr Muhammad Goje, Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), stated this to journalists in Damaturu on Thursday.

    He said that the disaster affected seven local government areas of Bursari, Damaturu, Fika, Fune, Gulani, Potiskum and Tarmuwa.

    Goje said 92 persons sustained various degrees of injuries in the devastating windstorm, which affected 5,022 individuals in 1,264 households.

    The executive secretary said that 83 households, comprising 368 individuals, were displaced by the disaster.

    He said that a total of 48 communities were affected by the disaster, with Fika being the worst hit.

    In response, Goje said that YOSEMA in partnership with Action Against Hunger (ACC), with support from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), distributed life-saving relief materials to 566 households in Fika and Potiskum.

    The executive secretary said that a joint needs assessment by SEMA and ACF, prioritised the most vulnerable families who lost their homes, essential belongings and in need of hygiene services.

    He said that Mohammed Kingimi, ACF’s WASH Project Manager, had affirmed the organisation’s commitment to further assist the victims based on the availability of resources.

    “ACF is also preparing to roll out Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) support for the same 566 households to enhance their recovery,” he said.

    He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities through proactive emergency response initiatives.

  • Windstorm destroys over 50 houses in Cross River community

    Windstorm destroys over 50 houses in Cross River community

    A devastating windstorm has left many inhabitants of Njegbeje Village in Igodor Community in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River homeless, after destroying over 50 houses in the area.

    The windstorm, which preceded a heavy downpour on Sunday night, also destroyed property valued at billions of naira.

    Ogoja council boss, Chief Christopher Agbeh, visited the affected area on Wednesday to assess the extent of damage caused by the disaster.

    Speaking with newsmen after his visit, Agbeh described the incident as a “monumental and natural disaster”.

    The council chairman put the cost of the damage at billions of naira and called for immediate governments intervention to alleviate the plight of the affected persons.

    “This is a tragic situation that requires swift action from both the state and Federal Governments. This windstorm is likened to a mini-tsunami by locals.

    “It destroyed residential buildings, farmlands, economic trees, and also disrupted the lives and livelihood of the people.

    “The present administration is responsive and compassionate, and I will ensure that relief materials and support for the rebuilding of homes are provided promptly,” Agbeh said.

    The Village Head, Chief Matthew Egbor, decried the severe impact of the disaster, describing it as the worst natural disaster in the history of Njegbeje.

    According to him, this disaster took us completely by surprise.

    “Homes, farms, and our economic trees were all swept away. Many of us are now sleeping on bare grounds in makeshift shelters. Starvation and homelessness are setting in,” Egbor said.

    He, therefore, appealed to all relevant government bodies and humanitarian organisations to come to the aid of the village at this crucial period of its existence.

    The council boss said that the community was in dire need of food, shelter, and medical assistance.

  • Nasarawa: Windstorm victims to receive govt support

    Nasarawa: Windstorm victims to receive govt support

    The Nasarawa Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), has assured victims of the recent windstorms across the state of government’s support and relief intervention.

    The agency also said it had intensified efforts to complete assessments of the damages in the affected local government areas.

    Mr Benjamin Akwash, Director – General NASEMA, said this in an interview on Friday in Lafia.

    The director general said he had embarked on assessment to various communities in different local government areas impacted by the windstorms to have  a comprehensive report.

    According to him, the LGAs includes  Karu, Akwanga, Wamba, Awe, Obi, and Lafia,

    “We were at Gidan Zakara and Gora in Karu LGA, where more than 80 houses were completely or partially destroyed.

    “Our team also  visited Mahanga in Awe LGA, as well as other locations in Obi LGA to ascertain the level of devastation by the windstorm.

    Akwash reiterated the  state government commitment to providing support for the victims of all kinds of disasters in the state.

    “Upon completion of the assessment, food and non-food items would be distributed immediately.

    “There are places where worship centres like churches and mosques are affected, we will extend our support to them, ” he said.

    He thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule for always prioritising the well-being and security of the people, particularly the  prompt response to the issue of disasters in the State.

    Akwash said that NASEMA would focus more on mitigation and prevention of disasters rather than waiting for the disasters to happen before bringing succour to the victims.

    He said agency had intensify sensitisation in the riverine communities on the need to vacate flood plain to avert colossal loss of lives and property.

    Akwash advised people to avoid activities that are susceptible to disasters like building on waterways, flood plains, bush burning and indiscriminate felling of trees.

    According to him, both home and office appliances should be switched off when not in use.

  • Heavy windstorm kills two, destroys 1,500 houses in Katsina

    Heavy windstorm kills two, destroys 1,500 houses in Katsina

    Heavy windstorm has killed at least two persons and destroyed over 1,500 houses in Bindawa, Faskari, and Sabuwa Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

    The Public Relations Officer of the State Emergency Management Agency, Umar Mohammed confirmed the situation to Channels Television on Wednesday in a telephone conversation.

    He said the incident occurred on Monday affecting three Local Government Areas.

    He disclosed that in Bindawa alone, 400 houses were destroyed while in Faskari, over 800 houses were destroyed and 300 others in Sabuwa LGA.

    Mohammed further explained that there was a heavy downpour in Bindawa Local Government Area which lasted for about five hours resulting in the death of two persons.

    He added that plans are on top gear to assist the victims according to their losses.