By; DAHIRU SULEIMAN, DUTSE
Officials of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have said that a heavy down pour accompanied with windstorm has wrecked havock in Kafin Hausa Council, resulting to death of six lives, while injuring 65 and destroying several houses.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Alh. Yusuf Sani Babura made the disclosure to our correspondent in a telephone interview, where he confirmed the incident, saying six persons were killed as a result of heavy windstorm in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
He said the unfortunate incidence occured during the heavy downpour which lasted for three hours in the ancient council admitting that about 65 others sustained various degree of injury, while yet-to-be ascertained number of houses were destroyed by the disaster which occurred Wednesday evening.
Babura explained that displaced persons were asked to stay with their relatives pending when a temporary shelter would be provided for them by the agency.
The executive secretary added that the personnel of the agency and those of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), are currently in the area, assessing the level of damage for intervention.
“Yes, we’ve received a report about the incident and six persons have been confirmed dead and about 65 others injured and taken to hospital for medical attention.
“But I cannot give you the exact number of houses destroyed now, because as I’m talking to you, our personnel and that of NEMA are in the area assessing the level of damages.
“And those who were displaced are asked to stay with thier relatives before we provide shelter for them as the incident happened yesterday,” the executive secretary said.
Also contacted, the Information Officer in charge of the area, Malam Muhammad Umar, said the six deceased included four men and two women.
Umar said the incident occurred as a result of heavy downpour, accompanied by windstorm, which began at about 6:30 p.m.
He explained that the Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Muhammad Saminu, has visited the scene and ordered that all the injured victims be taken promptly to Kafin Hausa General Hospital for medical attention.
The information officer added that Saminu, who sympathised with the victims, called on the agencies concerned to urgently assist them.
According to him, the chairman pledged the council’s commitment to assist the victims.
Muhammad said most of the injured victims were treated and discharged.
He added that the council has visited and consoled with the families of the deceased.
