Dam collapse washes away 1,000 homes in Nigeria

GUSAU, Nigeria, Oct 1 (Reuters) Flood water from a burst reservoir dam in northern Nigeria has made 1,000 families homeless, but about 40 people earlier feared dead have been found alive, the state governor said today.

Local media had reported Zamfara State Governor Ahmed Sani saying that at least 40 people died after heavy rainfall swelled the reservoir to critical levels, causing the dam to collapse and send a barrage of water through villages.

''All those missing were later found safe and alive,'' Sani told Reuters.

''We have over 1,000 families affected and property over 3 billion naira, but there is no loss of life.'' The reservoir was the main source of drinking water for Zamfara state capital Gusau.

REUTERS SY KP2249