Amidst the aftermath of flooding at Trademore Estate in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has moved swiftly to clarify that no lives were lost during the incident.
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has officially debunked circulating rumors, including a viral video featuring an unverified female voice, which falsely claimed on Monday morning that two individuals had been swept away by the floodwaters within the estate.
After conducting a thorough assessment of the affected areas following Monday’s heavy rainfall at Trademore Estate, Florence Wenegieme, the acting director-general of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), has confirmed that there were no fatalities.
Wenegieme clarified, stating, “We did not receive any distress call from Trademore. We saw the viral video and immediately conducted an assessment. We interviewed several residents, and they confirmed that there were no casualties due to the floods.” Her statements refute earlier claims made in a viral video featuring an unverified female voice, which had falsely alleged that two individuals were swept away by floodwaters within the estate.
“We activated NEMA, FCT Fire Service, Department of Development Control and Department of Engineering Services,” she said.
Florence Wenegieme, acting director-general of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), further elaborated that the houses affected by the recent floods at Trademore Estate were among the 116 structures previously earmarked for demolition in 2023 when the area was declared a disaster zone.
She explained that efforts by the FCTA to remove these structures were hindered by a court injunction obtained by the association of residents of Trademore Estate.
Wenegieme expressed concern over the precarious situation, highlighting that a primary school housing approximately 500 pupils, along with its management and staff, is situated in close proximity to the water channel within the estate. She described this as a potential disaster in the making, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of residents.
Additionally, she noted that structures previously demolished by the Department of Development Control were being reconstructed or refurbished by their owners.
Wenegieme urged residents residing in buildings slated for demolition at Trademore Estate to consider relocating. She advised the estate owners to install necessary infrastructure to prevent future flash floods that could endanger lives in the estate.
