By Jelili Gbadamosi
Bukar Modu, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has disclosed that heavy rainfall and flash flooding have displaced families and damaged residential buildings across Damaturu, Nguru, Machina and Bursari Local Government Areas of the state.
In a flash flood incident report issued on Sunday, the agency said it received multiple distress alerts from community stakeholders, security agencies and local government authorities following torrential rainfall that triggered flash floods in several communities.
According to the report, verified affected communities in Damaturu LGA include Moduri, Abbari Sabon Kwalta, Malari Sabon Kwalta, Pompomari, Sumsumma, Nayinawa and surrounding areas. In Nguru LGA, the floods impacted New Side, Best Center, Balanguwa Road and several communities across nine wards.
The agency added that Turbangini and Dinani/Lawanti Ward in Bursari LGA, as well as Alhaji Madi Street, Hausari and Machina town in Machina LGA, were also affected.
SEMA noted that the current list covers only communities that have been formally reported and verified, stressing that additional locations may be confirmed as assessment teams continue their work.
The agency said preliminary findings showed that numerous houses sustained varying degrees of damage, while the exact number of affected households, displaced persons and possible injuries is still being verified.
SEMA assured residents that comprehensive assessment findings would be released as soon as possible to support emergency response and recovery efforts.
The agency also advised residents to remain indoors during heavy rainfall, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from flood-prone areas, riverbanks, drainage channels and other low-lying locations throughout the rainy season.
