The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed that recent flash floods claimed one life and affected no fewer than 2,634 residents across the state.
The agency revealed that at least 14 communities have so far been hit by the disaster.
Executive Secretary of SEMA, Mohammed Goje, who spoke in response to the flooding in Potiskum Local Government Area after heavy rainfall, said the agency, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had commenced emergency interventions.
Goje noted that the state government was already providing life-saving assistance and early recovery support to victims in Potiskum and surrounding areas.
“Over 600 displaced persons who sought temporary shelter at Sabon Gari Primary School have benefited from the state government’s intervention,” he said.
According to him, the relief efforts include daily meal support, cash assistance, and the distribution of dignity kits and other essential items to address immediate needs for shelter and hygiene.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed that the agency had activated its Maiduguri operations office, which promptly deployed a rescue team to the affected communities.
She said preliminary assessments showed that 21 communities across five wards in Potiskum were impacted by the flooding.
“Many houses, mostly mud structures, were destroyed, displacing a significant number of residents. Women and children make up the majority of the displaced population,” Umar stated.
