The Katsina Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) announced on Monday, July 16, that at least 38 persons had lost their lives following a rainstorm that hit the Jibia local government area of the state on Sunday, July 16.
However, the governor of the state said hours later that the death toll had risen to 44 and that 20 residents were still missing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aminu Waziri, the executive secretary of the agency, told newsmen in Jibia that the disaster which occurred in the night of Sunday, July 16, lasted for several hours.
According to Waziri, areas affected by the disaster include Tundun Takari, Dan Tudu, Unguwar Kwakwa and Unguwar Mai Kwari areas located around river axis.
Waziri said a rescue team was still in Jibia giving assistance to the people.
He said Governor Aminu Masari had visited the area to assess the damage done to property.
“What we are doing presently is to find temporary accommodation for people whose houses have been washed away or damaged.
“As I speak with you now, no fewer than 38 people have lost their lives.
“Sympathisers from our neighbouring country, Niger Republic, helped us to remove two bodies from a river.
“We have already buried 21 bodies, while arrangements are being made to bury the remaining 17 dead bodies.
“Over 200 houses were either washed away or damaged by the rainstorm,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rainstorm has also destroyed a number of farms and killed hundreds of animals in the area.
