The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has reported heavy rainfall and flash flooding across several communities in four local government areas of the state.
The affected areas include Damaturu, Nguru, Machina and Bursari Local Government Areas, according to a flash flood incident report issued by the agency on Sunday.
SEMA said it received multiple distress calls from community stakeholders, security agencies and local government authorities following torrential rainfall that triggered sudden flooding in the affected communities.
In Damaturu Local Government Area, communities verified by the agency include Moduri, Abbari Sabon Kwalta, Malari Sabon Kwalta, Pompomari, Sumsumma and Nayinawa, among others.
In Nguru, affected locations include New Side, Best Center and Balanguwa Road, as well as several communities across nine wards.
SEMA also identified Turbangini and Dinani/Lawanti Ward in Bursari Local Government Area, while Alhaji Madi Street, Hausari and parts of Machina town were affected in Machina Local Government Area.
The agency noted that the locations listed so far represent only communities that have been formally reported and verified, adding that additional areas could be identified as assessment teams continue their work.
“Preliminary field observations indicate that numerous residential structures sustained varying levels of damage,” SEMA said.
It added that the exact number of affected households, displaced persons and injuries was still being verified.
SEMA assured residents that detailed findings would be released as soon as possible to facilitate timely intervention and recovery efforts.
The agency also advised residents to take necessary precautions throughout the rainy season.
It urged people to remain indoors in structurally sound buildings during heavy rainfall, avoid unnecessary movement and keep away from floodplains, riverbanks, drainage channels and other low-lying areas.
SEMA urged residents to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety as further assessments of the affected communities continue.
