By EZRA MUSA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) have launched a search and rescue operation for two persons swept away by floodwaters in Kaduna River.

The operation, involving the Kaduna State Fire Service, local divers and other emergency responders, commenced early Sunday at Hayin Mallam Bello community in Kaduna South Local Government Area.

The victims were reportedly swept away on Saturday evening while attempting to cross the swollen river after heavy rainfall across parts of Kaduna metropolis.

The Head of NEMA Operations Office, Kaduna, Hajiya Halima Suleiman, said the agency activated its emergency response team immediately after receiving a distress call.

She said emergency personnel and local divers had searched the river for several hours, but the victims had yet to be found as of the time of filing this report.

The missing persons were identified as Musa Musa Bawa, 27, a 200-level student of the College of Nursing, Tudun Wada, and Abubakar Ibrahim Muhammad Likoro, 25, an employee of Olam Flour Mills, Kaduna.

Suleiman assured residents that the operation would continue until the victims were found.

“We will continue the search operation until the missing persons are found. NEMA, in collaboration with other emergency response agencies, remains committed to sustaining the operation until its objective is achieved,” she said.

She commended emergency responders and local volunteers for their commitment to the operation.

“I commend the dedication, professionalism and resilience of all emergency personnel and local volunteers participating in this search and rescue mission,” Suleiman said.

The NEMA official said she had also visited the families of the victims to convey the agency’s sympathy and encourage them to remain hopeful.

She appealed to residents to cooperate with emergency responders and avoid crossing flooded rivers, streams and drainage channels during and after heavy rainfall.

“We urge residents to avoid attempting to cross flooded rivers, streams or drainage channels during and after heavy rainfall. Members of the public should promptly report emergencies through the appropriate authorities to enable timely intervention,” she said.

She added that NEMA would continue public sensitisation on flood safety to reduce the risk of drowning and other flood-related incidents.(NAN)

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