Five people were killed, 60 injured and more than 100 houses destroyed when a massive and destructive windstorm – accompanied by heavy downpours – swept through the town of Damaturu in Yobe State on Monday, May 9.

Mohammed Goje, the head of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed the disaster and told RNI that the agency was providing of medical treatment and other necessary assistance to the affected communities in Damaturu and its environs.

“Our key responsibility is to provide aid to the victims of either natural disasters or man-made disasters, as directed by Mai Mala Buni, the governor of Yobe State.

“We were on the alert. We saw a thick cloud forming in the sky. The next thing we knew there were heavy downpours that came with a very strong windstorm which severely injured people and caused massive destruction. We started getting emergency calls from six community leaders who said the windstorm was causing havoc in the area.

“We went to the affected communities at about 10pm. We found more than 60 people who had been severely injured. We rushed them to hospital, where most responded to the medical treatment they received. But, unfortunately, doctors were not able to save five of the victims who died,” he said.

“On Tuesday morning, we visited six areas within Damaturu, where we found out that more than 100 houses were destroyed by the windstorm. This is the first time we have experienced such a powerful windstorm. We have had windstorms in the past during the rainy season, but nothing like this. We are going to have to double-up our efforts by providing victims with all the necessary support to ensure their safety in this time of disaster.”

Goje said that according to a weather report the agency received, this year’s rainy season would come with heavy rainfall coupled with excessive windstorms. It warned that floods and destruction could occur.

He urged residents not to dump their garbage into draining systems because this could lead to further damage, with blocked drains overflowing.

“The report we received warned of heavy rain and strong windstorms. If residents dump their refuse or trash in the waterways, it could lead to worse floods and more houses could be destroyed.

“We are already on high alert. We have posted our hotlines and phone numbers everywhere. Anyone can call us at any time in cases of any emergencies. We will be on hand to help and support people affected by floods and other disasters. The public should be aware that our medical services and any other assistance we offer are free of charge.”

• The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) transition camp in the Dikwa Local Government Area was also destroyed by heavy rainfall coupled with a strong windstorm on Sunday night. The camp hosts more than 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in more than 1,000 shelters.

The management of the camp and the IDPs taking refuge there expressed dismay over the destruction of rooms, buildings, tents and other facilities by the windstorm. The IDPs have no other place to stay. The camp’s management urged the government and other humanitarian aid agencies to help them by providing shelters and other necessary support.

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO