By Onimisi Alao,The Nation
Copyright thenationonlineng
A heavy downpour on Tuesday triggered severe flooding in several communities within Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, forcing thousands of residents from their homes.
The rain, described as unusually intense, caused drainages to overflow, sending dirty water into homes, business centres, and places of worship in communities such as Nasarawo, Demsawo, Damilu, Bachure, Jambutu, Shinko, and Doubeli.
Gabriel Okatahi, a landlord on Calabar Street, Demsawo, said the area had not witnessed flooding of such magnitude in the past seven years, attributing the past respite to a culvert built across the community.
The Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Dr. Celine Laori, confirmed that the flood left thousands homeless, though no lives were lost.
She said emergency agencies, including the police and fire service, were carrying out rescue operations.
Police spokesman SP Suleiman Nguroje said the Command deployed marine police for rescue operations, adding that Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, had personally visited affected areas such as Limiwa, Rumde, Shinko, and Jambutu to assess the situation and mobilise assistance.
The disaster comes barely two months after floods in Yola South LGA claimed 29 lives.
