Windstorm troubles Niger, destroys 1,200 houses

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) says a recent windstorm has damaged about 1,200 buildings across six Local Government Areas of the State.

Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of the Agency, disclosed this on Thursday while providing an update on the disaster response.

He said the affected Local Aovernment Areas include Mokwa, Bida, Lavun, Katcha, Gbako and Mariga.

“The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has commenced a rapid assessment following a devastating windstorm that affected several communities across Mokwa, Bida and other local government areas of Niger State.

“Preliminary reports indicate that over 1,000 houses were destroyed or severely damaged in communities within Mokwa LGA, including Sawmill, Kpege Wayata, Kpege, Station Girigi, Efu Shaba Lile, Tifin Madza, Yafu, Etisheshi, Hakimi Aliyu and Nasfat areas”, Baba-Arah said.

In Bida LGA, the affected communities include Cheniyan, Nasarafu, Bariki, Kyari, Dokoza, Masaga A and Masaga B.

He added that windstorm incidents were also recorded in Lavun, Katcha, Gbako and Mariga LGAs, where more than 100 houses had earlier been reported destroyed in Durgu community under Bobi Ward in Mariga LGA.

Several houses and electricity poles were damaged on Sunday following heavy rainfall in the community.

“NSEMA, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and local government authorities, is currently conducting detailed assessments to determine the full extent of the damage and the humanitarian needs of affected victims. Further updates will be provided as assessments continue,” he added.