The FEMD has refuted claims of any fatalities in the flash floods that occurred in Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja on June 24.
A video circulating online alleged that two individuals had lost their lives due to heavy flooding caused by the morning downpour.
However, FEMD officials visited the area and interviewed residents who denied any knowledge of such deaths. Nkechi Isa, the FEMD Spokeswoman, stated that the Acting Director General, Mrs Florence Dawon Wenegieme, assessed the affected areas and confirmed that no lives were lost.
Wenegieme said; “We did not receive any distress call from Trademore. We saw the viral video and we went there to carry out an assessment.We interviewed some residents and they confirmed that no life was lost to the floods.
“We activated NEMA, FCT Fire Service, Department of Development Control and Department of Engineering Services”.
Wenegieme reported that the houses affected by the floods were the 116 structures that were supposed to be demolished in 2023 when the estate was declared a disaster area.
She mentioned that the FCTA was unable to remove the structures due to a court order from the Association of Residents of Trademore.
The Acting DG expressed concern about a primary school located near the water channel, stating that it was a potential disaster waiting to happen, considering it has around 500 students, staff, and management.
She also mentioned that some of the structures that were previously demolished by the Department of Development Control were being rebuilt or renovated by their owners. She urged residents living in houses marked for demolition to relocate.
The FEMD boss advised the owner of Trademore to provide the necessary infrastructure to prevent future flash floods that could result in loss of lives in the estate.
