Abuja Flood: Two dead bodies retrieved, others missing after downpour
The Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA have confirmed the death of four persons dead in a flood in Karshi and Kokosu communities in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
It was gathered that the victims were inside a Toyota Siena when the flood swept the vehicle away during a downpour on Saturday.
Ambrose Umelelle, 26, and Esther Aka 20, who lived in Kokosu, Nasarawa State lost their lives, but a passenger narrowly escaped as he was said to have jumped out of the vehicle.
The Search and Rescue team of the FCT Emergency Management Agency were still searching for the other victims of the flood as of Sunday, Punch reports.
The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa, warned residents about the possibilities of flood in the coming months.
Speaking on Sunday while commiserating with the people of Karshi over the disaster, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Chinyeaka Ohaa, who represented the minister, said he had directed a team to ascertain the cause of the flood.
He also conveyed his condolences to the families of the two victims from neighbouring Kokosu, who were confirmed dead.
“I have directed that our team of engineers should be dispatched to study the situation with a view to stemming future occurrence. From all indications, this is a natural disaster. I am happy that our team is on the ground for the search and rescue operations,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Karshi, Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, dispelled insinuations that the incident was caused by a burst dam.
He said, “The dam is still intact and still under construction.”
The Acting Deputy Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA, Mrs Florence Wenegieme stated that two of the bodies was recovered on Sunday, as well as the vehicle in which they were traveling.
“We have gone as far as three kilometres into the waterway without seeing other bodies, but the search continues,” she said.
