96 year old bridge, buildings submerged as flood ravages Gashua town

From David Kuvie Bauchi

Residents of Gashua, Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State, hometown of President of the Senate Senator Ahmed Lawal, have facing hard times following flood that ravaged the town.

Residents who lamented the situation, revealed that the flood situation in the town remained critical with new areas coming under the impact of the deluge as at Wednesday.

A resident, Lawan Bulama, disclosed that floodwaters have been lashing Gashua and neighbouring communities with River Yobe and its tributaries receiving heavy inflows. 

He said low-lying areas in Gashua have been covered with water which also submerged buildings and culverts.

Streets such as Memorial, Abdullahi Masaba, Kasuwan Gwari to Tashan Kuka and Gamadiya to graveyard are reeling under severe flood.

The 96 year-old Gashua old bridge  collapsed into the river and the water gauge swept away. 

Bulam said although no life was lost and no casualty reported injured, besides the incident of the bridge collapsed, many public and residential houses are submerged with water.

Bulama said the newly constructed Secondary School and the North East Development Commission, NEDC, Housing Units at the outskirts of Gashua town along Yusufari road have been occupied by flood waters.

The climatologist with specialism in Rainfall Anomalies, said the situation is bad that it prevents vehicular movement. 

“This development disrupts road connectivity thereby throwing normal commuting out of gear,” he said.

“A portion of embankment in Dan Falkun Allah shiyadda communities broke out with huge volume of flood water overflowing out of the barricade, destroying two houses. 

“Many people thronged to the site for rescue and help mission and within few minutes they were able to blocked the water. 

“And more people are on red alert for quick response if any untoward break of embankment is to arise”