Rainstorm Kills 6 People, Destroys 166 Households in Yobe [photo]

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has stated that six people have lost their lives, while 166 households were destroyed in the recent rainstorm which hit five Local Government Areas of the state.

According to the agency, Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Fune, Potiskum and Bursari Local Government Areas were the worst hit by the disaster.

SEMA said the report emanated from the damaged assessment its officials conducted in the affected areas with a view to providing the victims with the much-needed support as instructed by Governor Mai Mala Buni.

“A total of 10 wards and 18 communities across the 4 out of the 5 LGAs were visited yesterday. A total of 166 households were affected by the rainstorm and about 8 public buildings were also affected”, it said

A breakdown of the affected LGAs showed that; in Bursari 85 households were destroyed, 47 in Fune, 25 in Damaturu, while 9 households were also affected in Potiskum town.

“Over 80 per cent of the affected households are in rural areas or outskirt of main towns.

“About 53 persons, majority of them in Damaturu sustained injuries and 5 deaths were recorded in Fune and 1 in Damaturu. Amongst the deaths recorded was the one in household located in ‘Mile 5’ at the outskirt of Damaturu where a telecom mast collapsed in the house,” said SEMA.

The humanitarian agency also noted that, all the injured victims are receiving medical attention at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu free of charge.

The agency also called on members of the general public to ensure that all waterways around them are cleared of debris and should report any emergency to the relevant authorities.