The Niger State Emergency Management Agency says a recent windstorm has damaged about 1,200 buildings across six local government areas of the state.

The director-general of the agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed this on Thursday during an update on the disaster response.

He said the affected LGAs include Mokwa, Bida, Lavun, Katcha, Gbako and Mariga.

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

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

In Bida LGA, 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 over 100 houses were earlier reported destroyed in the Durgu community under Bobi Ward of Mariga LGA.

Several houses were damaged on Sunday following heavy rainfall in the community, and electric poles were also destroyed.

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