The death toll from the devastating flood in Adamawa State has climbed to 25, as rescue teams continue to recover bodies and search for missing persons across affected communities.
Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Dr. Celine Laori, confirmed the updated figure while speaking with journalists on Tuesday afternoon, July 29.
“As of now, the death toll has increased from 23 on Monday to 25 on Tuesday afternoon, but the rescue operation is still going on to recover the missing residents,” she said.
Dr. Laori, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, noted that the operation is still active in the worst-hit areas. She explained that managing the flood situation has become a personal commitment.
“I am now an IDP myself, because I spend the entire day and part of the night in the camp to ensure everything is going as planned.
READ ALSO: Adamawa Flood Death Toll Hits 23, More Still Missing — Gov Fintiri
“The health of the IDP is paramount to the state government, so as head of ADSEMA, I must monitor all the operations in the camp,” she added.
According to her, the Namtari IDP camp has now been merged with the Yelewa Primary School camp to improve coordination and resource management.
She also revealed that aid had been arriving from various organisations. “The National Emergency Management Agency, UNICEF have donated relief materials to the IDPs,” she said, while commending other groups providing healthcare and support services.
Dr. Laori praised Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for acting swiftly before the flood. “Governor Ahmadu Fintiri took a proactive measure by releasing ₦700 million to ADSEMA to purchase relief materials ahead of the flooding season, as was announced by the federal government last month.”
“Without any stress, we are picking relief materials from our warehouse because the governor prepared for emergencies based on information from the federal government,” she added.
She disclosed that the government is planning a financial assistance package to help displaced persons return to their homes and rebuild their lives.