By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Kebbi State Government and the 21 local government councils in the state have swung into action with a view to providing immediate succor to flood victims across the state.

They have also moved in to mitigate the unpalatable impact of the flood disasters on food security of the state, as well as damage to infrastructure across the state.

These were disclosed by the State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Hassan Mohammed Shalla, while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Shalla stated that Governor, Atiku Bagudu has met with the Officials of the Ministry and the Chairmen of the 21 LGAs.

He said the meeting brainstormed on the plausible ways the State Government can come in to immediately ameliorate the suffering of the people badly affected by the flood disasters.

“The Agencies related to weather forecasts had earlier alerted us that, 11 out of the 21 LGAs in the state were to be affected by flood this year.

“But, as it had turned, almost all the 21 local governments in the state have been affected by the devastating floods.

“Even those that are far away from the River banks have been affected. I have just visited one of such towns, more than half of it had been destroyed by flood.”

Shalla said the Chairmen have therefore been directed to collate all the names of the victims, including the number of houses and farmlands destroyed, livestock killed and other damages.

They were also warned against missing any victims, while the exercise should be diligently conducted, devoid of any selfish interests.

According to the Commissioner, this is with the view to enabling the state government to take the necessary actions, to provide immediate salvation to the victims.

Shalla further stated that, the Chairmen have also been directed to provide shelter to the victims in any available public buildings that include primary and secondary schools, as well as hospitals, among others.

In the same vein, they have been mandated to provide adequate potable water, medical and sanitation facilities to the victims in the temporary shelters before SEMA takes the necessary actions.

The Commissioner further lauded the Governor for providing all the needed moral and financial support to the Ministry and the LGs, including granting the necessary approvals to fully implement the directives reeled out.

Shalla added that, the LGs have also been directed to identify farm produce that can be planted and harvested before the end of the current raining season, like sweet potatoes, cassava and yams, among others.

This, he noted, was to complement the expected bumper harvests, this year that were destroyed by the floods, hence, dashed the high hopes of the farmers.

“They have also been directed to liaise with NURTW, NARTO, Police and other agencies, to restrict vehicular movements on roads across the state that had been badly damaged.

“This is to ensure that accidents are prevented and their attendant consequences. A stich in time, they say, saves nine.

“Arrangements are also on top gear to do the needful and adequately prepare for the success of the forthcoming dry season farming.”

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