A heavy downpour in Abuja has plunged the popular Trademore Estate into chaos as flood waters engulfed the area, leaving residents in a state of distress. The torrential rain, which commenced at 6 am, resulted in the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
Upon visiting the scene, our correspondent witnessed residents frantically searching for solutions, unsure of how to cope with the overwhelming situation. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that a driver, identified as the owner of a Peugeot 406 with registration number YLA 681 FS, drowned in the flood at Imo Street within the estate. NEMA successfully rescued four other individuals who are currently in stable condition.
Amidst the deluge, residents of the estate struggled tirelessly to salvage their belongings from their submerged houses. Unfortunately, Trademore Estate has experienced a series of devastating floods over the years, resulting in the loss of lives and properties amounting to billions of naira.
Presently, NEMA, the Fire Service, FCT FEMA, Red Cross, and the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Flood department are collaborating to provide assistance in response to the flood. Their concerted efforts aim to mitigate the situation and alleviate the suffering of affected residents.
Sunday Ibrahim, an eyewitness and resident, expressed his concerns, stating, “This estate has always been prone to flooding. Despite warnings from authorities, people continue to construct buildings in areas designated as rain channels. I hope more individuals will heed the advice and relocate to their allocated areas to prevent further crises.”
Another resident, Samuel Omole, lamented the loss of several vehicles swept away by the flood. He attributed the incident to the promoters of an estate in the vicinity, accusing them of redirecting water towards their side. Omole shared a harrowing account of a man trapped inside his car during the heavy rainfall. Thankfully, the man managed to escape the submerged vehicle unharmed.
Dr. Abbas Idriss, the Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), assured the public that no lives were lost during the incident. In a statement released by FEMA’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, Dr. Idriss explained that 116 houses were submerged due to infractions on the water channel. He appealed to residents whose homes were built in these areas to relocate, emphasizing that Trademore Estate is particularly vulnerable to floods due to its proximity to the water channel.
Dr. Idriss also addressed the false reports circulating on social media, debunking claims of a missing resident. He highlighted that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had predicted heavy floods in the FCT this rainy season. Consequently, he urged residents to utilize the 112 Emergency toll-free number in the event of any emergencies.
As the floodwaters recede, the efforts and cooperation of stakeholders and residents at Trademore Estate are deeply appreciated in ensuring the preservation of lives. Immediate action is necessary to address the underlying issues and prevent similar occurrences in the future.