The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) confirmed that no lives were lost during the Monday morning flash flood in Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja. Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, acting Director-General of FEMD, provided this assurance while assessing the aftermath of the flooding.
Wenegieme clarified that there were no distress calls from residents and no reports of missing persons or fatalities associated with the incident. She noted that emergency responders were alerted by a passerby who witnessed the flooding.
“We have spoken with members of the residents’ association, and none have reported any casualties or missing individuals,” Wenegieme stated. She was supported by Mr. Eborn Sunday from Pento Security Guard, who affirmed that no fatalities occurred, although several houses were partially submerged up to window level.
The emergency response involved collaboration with officials from the National Emergency Management Agency, Department of Development Control, Department of Engineering Services, and Fire Service, who were present to evaluate the situation.
Wenegieme also highlighted the legal complexities surrounding the area, explaining that Trademore Estate had been designated a disaster zone in 2022 due to recurring flooding. Despite efforts to address the issue, including plans to demolish houses built on waterways, legal injunctions have halted these actions.
“There are ongoing risks to life and property due to the refusal of some residents to relocate,” Wenegieme emphasized. She urged affected parties, including a school located in a flood-prone area, to consider relocating for their safety.
In response, Mr. Inemesit Udofot, Chairman of the Trademore Estate Residents Association, Phase II, disputed claims that houses were situated on flood plains within the estate, attributing the flooding to water diversion from neighboring areas.
The situation underscores ongoing challenges in managing urban flood risks and the importance of coordinated efforts between residents and authorities to mitigate future incidents.
