Rescue crews are in a race against time as they search for survivors following a devastating building collapse in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja. The two-story building, which housed both shops and residential units, crumbled during heavy rainfall, claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving many others trapped under the rubble. With several recent collapses highlighting the failure to enforce building safety regulations, authorities face mounting pressure to address the root causes of this recurring tragedy.
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) -- Rescue crews were searching for survivors Thursday after a building collapse in Nigeria's capital left two people dead while many others are feared trapped, emergency officials said.
The two-story building in the densely populated Garki district of the capital Abuja collapsed during a downpour late Wednesday, witnesses said. It served both as a shopping center and a residential block and some of those trapped were believed to be shoppers.
Nkechi Isa, spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the city said 37 people have so far been pulled alive from the rubble. She said the rescue efforts would continue until the rubble has been searched.
Crews used an excavator and a bulldozer to clear away debris in search of survivors. A large crowd of people who gathered on the street where the building had stood cheered as crews pulled out survivors. Others awaited news about their missing relatives.
Samuel Japhet narrowly escaped the collapse after entering the building to buy drinks. "We bought the drinks and left, it was not up to 30 minutes and it happened," said Japhet. "People were there, all these places, people live here."
Building collapses are becoming rampant in Africa's most populous country with more than a dozen of such failures recorded in the last year, including earlier in August when a mosque collapsed in the northwestern Kaduna state, killing seven people.
Authorities often blame such disasters on a failure by officials to enforce building safety regulations and on poor maintenance.
Addressing the Root Causes
This heartbreaking incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent building collapses in Nigeria. It is disheartening to witness the loss of innocent lives due to the lack of proper building safety regulations and enforcement. While rescue efforts are underway, it is essential to address the root causes of this recurring tragedy.
Enforcement of Building Safety Regulations
In many cases, building collapses in Nigeria are a direct consequence of officials' failure to enforce safety regulations. Lack of strict supervision and oversight enables construction companies and individuals to cut corners, compromise on materials, and disregard structural integrity. Such negligence has grave consequences and is a key factor contributing to the rising number of collapses.
Accountability and Transparency
To prevent future disasters, accountability and transparency must be at the forefront. Government authorities need to ensure that construction companies are held accountable for adhering to safety standards. Regular inspections, audits, and severe penalties for non-compliance are necessary to promote compliance and discourage cutting corners.
Public Awareness and Education
It is crucial to educate the public about the importance of building safety and the potential risks associated with poorly constructed structures. Awareness campaigns should highlight the significance of engaging licensed architects, structural engineers, and approved construction companies.
Supporting the Rescue Efforts
The ongoing rescue efforts in Abuja are a testament to the resilience and compassion of the local community. It is heartwarming to witness the collective support and solidarity demonstrated as people await news of their missing loved ones. Government agencies and NGOs must ensure that the rescue operations have adequate resources and support to maximize the chances of saving as many lives as possible.
A Call for Swift Action
The frequency of building collapses in Nigeria demands immediate action. The government must prioritize this issue and take proactive steps to prevent future tragedies. Alongside stricter enforcement of building safety regulations, investment in infrastructure, enhanced training for construction workers, and increased public awareness are crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-24 News
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