Floods ravage Yobe communities, destroy 278 shelters, affect 1,020

Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall have affected 1,020 people and destroyed or damaged 278 shelters across six communities and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The flooding affected 143 households in Kukareta and neighbouring communities, leaving hundreds of residents with damaged homes and increased need for food, water, shelter materials and medical support.

The worst-hit location was the Kokari IDP Camp, where 48 households comprising 232 people were affected, while 63 shelters were damaged.

Lawanti Gana recorded 30 affected households involving 249 people, with 68 shelters damaged. In Bulama Gremari, 18 households comprising 149 people were affected, while 41 shelters were damaged.

At Fulatari, 17 households involving 141 people were affected and 38 shelters damaged. Tsohuwar Kasuwa recorded 16 affected households comprising 133 people, with 36 shelters damaged, while Bulama Adam had 14 affected households involving 116 people and 32 damaged shelters.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), which conducted a joint rapid assessment with officials of Damaturu Local Government and community stakeholders, said no deaths or injuries were recorded.

SEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue Operations, Dr M.I. Jalo, said no public buildings were damaged in the flooding.

The agency advised residents to stay away from flooded areas and contaminated waterways and to treat or boil drinking water to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases.

Affected communities were also urged to report additional damage, missing persons and urgent needs to SEMA, the local government emergency desk or nearby officials.

Residents were further advised to move valuables and important documents to dry, elevated places as the assessment and relief efforts continue.