Flood displaces 100 residents in Nasarawa State

No fewer than 100 residents of Gwandara community, in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have been rendered homeless, while scores of livestock were swept away after the community was flooded.

Farmlands and property estimated at millions of naira were also reportedly destroyed.

Our correspondent, who visited the area, observed as some residents struggled to save their children from drowning, while some youths in the area mobilised to salvage property.

One of the residents, Dr. Austine Iyede, disclosed via chat that no fewer than 100 houses were affected by the flood, attributing it to lack of a drainage system.

He added that the problem was caused by a local dam owned by the state government, adding that the dam overflowed its bank.

Iyede, who said although no life was lost, urged officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency to come to the aid of the affected residents.

He said, “The flood came as a surprise; we were not expecting any flood this year, though we know the area is flood-prone.

“It has caused serious damage to this community. It is one of the major floodings we have experienced in recent times. It affected mostly the people living around the dam.

“Many houses and business centres in the area were not spared, as many of them suffered great losses. The damage would be running into millions of naira.”

Another resident, Mr. Malik Pius, said, “The flood displaced many families. People are making frantic efforts to save their property. I don’t think anyone will sleep in any of the houses around the dam to avoid endangering their lives.

“A lasting solution should be proffered, as the flood poses a threat to our lives. We are begging the Federal and Nasarawa state government to help us.”

Credit: Punch Newspaper