Flood: FEMA confirmed lost of lives, properties Trademore Estate Abuja

Favour Ishember, Abuja

The Director-General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Mr Abbas Idris has confirmed the flood incident that claimed lives and properties in Trademore Estate, Lugbe District, Abuja.

This was contained in a statement he signed and made available to Daily Champion in Abuja on Monday.

The statement read in bits; “Following long hours of heavy rainfall on Sunday 12th September 2021, Trademoore, Light Gold, Wisdom Estates and Lugbe community of the Federal Capital Territory were heavily flooded- resulting to loss of lives and much property affected in and around the Estates.

FEMA has established, in the course of rescue operations which began from 9: 00 pm of 12th September 2021 up to 13th September 2021 that four (4) persons lost their lives to the flood and the recovered bodies have been taken by family members for burial.

Also, over twenty-six (26) vehicles- including an articulated towing van was swept away by the flood, besides a tarred road in Trademoore Estate that was completely washed away as a result of the strength of the floodwater. These losses are a summary of the impact of the flood on the affected locations. In total, 166 houses were affected. The Agency is still estimating the volume of losses suffered as a result of this flood.

In light of this unfortunate incident, I wish to convey the deepest sympathies of the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory- Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello, to the residents of Trademoore Estate, Light Gold Estate, Wisdom Estate, Lugbe Community, affected individuals and families- including those of surrounding communities, over the loss of lives and property.

“Furthermore, I want to appeal to the members of the Community living along those axes to report any missing person or persons between the period of the flood till today September 13, 2021, to the FCT Emergency Management Agency.

“For this purpose, some communities in Gwagwalada- including Giri, Unguwar Dodo and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps Gwagwalada Command have been put on alert to report any case of floating body or property on the river channel for prompt rescu

The statement continued; “Also, I want to appeal to all residents of the Federal Capital Territory Especially Developers to desist from violating the approved building codes in the Federal Capital Territory. We are also appealing to them to stop erecting retention walls to protect stormwater from flowing.

“By doing so they are causing more havoc to the community. We also call on all residents to always call the 112 toll-free Emergency number to get prompt response when there is any form of threat or danger, as the Search and Rescue team of the Agency alongside other emergency stakeholders are on 24/7 alert.

“Lastly, as we enter the final phase of the rainy season in the Federal Capital Territory- a phase in which rainfall is always at its peak, I once again call on all residents to avoid dumping of refuse in drainages.

Clear all surrounding drainages and other blockages that obstruct the free flow of water to reduce flood risk and its negative consequences; Avoid driving or walking through flood water; Relocate to higher ground before being threatened by floodwater for those who are living along the river banks; Watch for signposts on flood locations; And also take seriously FEMA’s early warning sensitization from the media and town criers”, the statement further stated.