Flood alert: Four feared dead in Abuja

 Flood scene

In the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Four persons died in a flood in Karshi and Kokosu communities. It was revealed 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. 

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 neighboring 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.”

He thanked the minister for dispatching the personnel of the FEMA to the area to retrieve the bodies of the victims. 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 travelling.“We have gone as far as three kilometers into the waterway without seeing other bodies, but the search continues,” she said.