Five Killed, 41 Injured As Rain, Thunderstorm Hit Damaturu

Yobe State was reportedly heavily affected on Monday after a heavy rainstorm struck some communities in Damaturu, the state capital.

At least five people were killed in the incident, Naija News understands.

The State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has since sympathized with the families of those who died in the incident.

No fewer than 41 persons reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries in the incident confirmed to newsmen on Tuesday.

The surviving victims are said to be currently receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, Yobe.

Confirming the pitiable situation, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Dr. Mohammed Goje told Vanguard in Damaturu on Tuesday that he received a distress call yesterday about people being trapped in a building collapse due to heavy windstorm and rainfall.

He said: “Search and rescue team of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency SEMA on 9th May 2022 responded to a distress call by good samaritans and supported the evacuation of Victims to Yobe State Specialist Hospital”.

The government official explained further that “a total of 41 victims are from 6 different Communities/Locations (1.Waziri Ibrahim Extension, 2. Abbari Extension, 3. NayiNawa, 4. Pompomari, 5. House of Assembly quarters, Gujba Road, and 6. Maisandari) were evacuated and unfortunately 5 died (2 boys, 1 adult woman, 2 girls)”.

Goje revealed that 23 people have been discharged already from the hospital while others are still been treated.

Naija News learnt from the report that the thunderstorm fell on a 22-year-old Goni Kallumi of Tsamiyan Lilo, Damaturu leading to death.

Also, the effects of the windstorm were evident in the Nayinawa Bulabulin community as electric poles with so many houses were wrecked by the flood.

Naija News understands that Governor Mai Mala Buni, has through his Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed described the incident as sad the nd unfortunate, and said it is the will of Almighty Allah.

He said: “It is very sad losing the victims in this very unfortunate natural disaster but that is the decreed time by the Almighty.

“We pray to Allah (SWT) to forgive their shortcomings and to grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss” Governor Buni prayed.

He also sympathized with those who sustained injuries and prayed for their quick recovery.

The Governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to ensure treatment of those who sustained various degrees of injuries and to provide the victims with emergency relief materials to cushion their hardships.