Tragedy hits Katsina as rainstorm kills 38, destroys 200 houses

The Katsina Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) announced on Monday,
July 16

, that at least 38 persons had lost their lives following a
rainstorm that hit the Jibia local government area of the state on

Sunday, July 16. However, the governor of the state said hours later that the death toll had risen to 44 and that 20 residents were still
 missing. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aminu Waziri,
the executive secretary of the agency, told newsmen in Jibia that the
disaster which occurred in the night of Sunday, July 16, lasted for
several hours. 

According to Waziri, areas affected by the disaster
include Tundun Takari, Dan Tudu, Unguwar Kwakwa and Unguwar Mai Kwari areas
 located around river axis.

Waziri said a rescue team was still in Jibia giving assistance to the people. 

He said Governor Aminu Masari had visited the area to assessthe damage done to property. 

“What we are doing presently is to find temporary accommodation for people whose houses have been washed away
 or damaged. 

“As I speak with you now, no fewer than 38 people have
lost their lives. “Sympathisers from our neighbouring country, Niger Republic, helped us to remove two bodies from a river. 

“We have already buried 21 bodies, while arrangements are being made to bury
 the remaining 17 dead bodies. 

“Over 200 houses were either washed
away or damaged by the rainstorm,” he said.