A harrowing incident unfolded late Wednesday night as a two-storey plaza, situated on Lagos Street within the Garki Village of Abuja’s Garki District, tragically collapsed amidst a torrential downpour. The calamity has resulted in a race against time to rescue those trapped beneath the debris.
According to reports gathered by Vanguard, the building’s structural integrity was compromised by the relentless rain, leading to its sudden collapse. Emergency response teams, braving the inclement weather, have been working tirelessly to save lives and provide aid to those affected by the catastrophe.
As of the latest update, 37 individuals have been successfully rescued from the wreckage, but the incident has not been without its toll. Among the survivors, two individuals are reported to have sustained severe injuries, painting a grim picture of the situation.
The rescue operations faced initial challenges due to the lack of immediate access to heavy machinery, such as excavators. Consequently, the efforts of the brave responders were centered around manual extraction, making progress slow and arduous. Despite these hurdles, the emergency teams pressed forward, showing unwavering dedication to their mission.
Dr. Abbas Idriss, the Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), confirmed the gravity of the situation. He disclosed that a total of 37 lives have been saved up until this point, underscoring the relentless efforts of the rescue teams who have been operating in adverse conditions. Dr. Idriss also highlighted that the victims who were fortunate enough to be rescued are now receiving medical attention at various healthcare facilities across Abuja.
In an official statement, Dr. Idriss stated, “Thirty-seven persons have so far been rescued and evacuated to hospitals, with others still reportedly trapped. Our dedicated rescue teams, including community members, have been working relentlessly throughout the night. Despite the ongoing rain, the rescue operations are in progress. We are working diligently to procure an excavator to expedite the extraction process.”
The Director General also expressed gratitude for the cooperation and tireless efforts of all stakeholders involved in the rescue operation. He emphasized that the collective determination and commitment of the responders, as well as the local community, have been instrumental in the ongoing rescue mission.
The saga is far from over, as the rescue operation continues unabated. The emergency response teams are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of specialized equipment, including excavators, which will play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the ongoing efforts.
As the nation watches and prays for the safety of those still trapped, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness measures. The aftermath of this unfortunate event will undoubtedly prompt a broader conversation about building safety standards and disaster response strategies across the region.
Comments are closed.