The Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has said that more than N7.81 billion farmlands and properties were destroyed by flooding in 16 local government areas (LGA) of the state.

The director, planning, research, and statistics of the agency, Adamu Nayola, said this in an interview with journalists in Bauchi on Monday.

Mr Nayola attributed the devastating flood to heavy downpours in the last two months in the northern part of the state.

“The floods, which affected communities in 16 hard-hit LGAs, destroyed and damaged houses, farmlands, roads, electricity poles, and domestic animals.

“This resulted in significant economic losses.

“Unfortunately, the disaster also claimed several lives with many others injured,” he said.

Mr Nayola listed the affected areas to include Giade, Shira, Katagum, Gamawa, Zaki, Kirfi, Dambam, Alkaleri, Darazo, Itas Gadau, Toro, Bauchi, Misau, Jama’are, Warji and Ganjuwa.

According to him, the agency is distributing relief items to the affected communities, adding that the state government was working to assist the victims and mitigate flooding.

While sympathising with the victims, Mr Nayola urged the people in the flood-prone areas to relocate to higher grounds to avert the disaster.

(NAN)