The Sand storm and heavy downpour that killed a total number of five people across some communities in Bauchi State on Saturday started about 4.49pm and lasted almost 90 minutes, left families in tears as the storm blew off the roof of their houses. While some houses were completely levelled to foundation level, some were left without fences and some were partially destroyed.
Some of the worst hit areas are Wuntin-Dada, Tsohon Kanfani, Lafiyari, Yelwa, Rafin Zurfi, Inkil, Guru, Yelwa-Makaranta, Bakaro, Miri, Tiwum, Railway road and Government Reservation Area.
Though no death has been reported officially, a source with the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency said “We understand that two children died at Zango and three people died at Tirwum and several others were injured.”
Governor Mohammed Abubakar has sympathised with the victims.
Abubakar, who spoke when he visited some of the affected areas, urged them to consider their misfortune as an act of God. He said the visit was to ascertain the level of damage.
The governor promised that the government will do its best to assist the victims.
Areas visited by the governor included Miri, BATV, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic on Jos road, Kobi Street, Railway road, Tirwun and Bakin Kura.
He was accompanied by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, commissioners and other top government officials.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara has commiserated with victims of Saturday’s windstorm in Bauchi. He called for government’s intervention.
A statement yesterday by his media aide, Turaki Hassan, urged the Federal and state agencies to provide relief materials to the victims to alleviate their sufferings.
The statement reads: “I am saddened by the news of yet another natural disaster in Bauchi, which caused injuries and destroyed property in the affected areas.
“I urge relevant government agencies to move in and provide immediate assistance to the victims. On our part, we shall do our best to provide succour to the victims within the shortest time possible.”
The Speaker, however, called for necessary emergency preparedness and early warning mechanisms to mitigate the effects of such natural disasters. He prayed God to prevent a recurrence.
See more photos from the scene of the incident below.
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