[BREAKING NEWS] Floods: Buhari blames non-compliance with building laws

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Sunday, blamed buildings on water channels, disregard for early warning and climate change for the disastrous floods ravaging Bayelsa State and other parts of the country.

He also directed that all federal agencies dealing with rescue and disaster management offer all needed assistance to the state.

This came after reports by the Bayelsa State Government revealed that 700,000 persons have been displaced in about 300 communities and villages in five of the state’s eight local government areas that were submerged in water due to rains causing flooding.

“While the authorities in the State are taking steps to help people hit by the floods, the President has directed that all federal agencies dealing with rescue and disaster management offer all needed assistance to Bayelsa,” a statement signed late Sunday by the President’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, read.

The statement is titled ‘Give all help to Bayelsa, President Buhari directs emergency bodies.’

According to Shehu, the President expressed sadness at the devastation caused by floods in the state.

He also extended the nation’s condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by this natural disaster.

“President Buhari blamed buildings on water channels, disregard for early warning by the National Emergency Management Agency, and the changes to weather caused by climate change as chiefly to blame for the floods that have so far hit 33 of the nation’s 36 states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory which has not been spared either.

“The President also directed all concerned to work for the restoration of normalcy throughout the affected parts of the federation,” the statement read.