Flooding hits communities in four Yobe LGAs as SEMA begins assessment

By Maryam Abdul-aziz Usman

Heavy rainfall on Saturday triggered flash floods in parts of Damaturu, Nguru, Machina and Bursari Local Government Areas of Yobe State, damaging homes and prompting emergency response by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

The agency said it had received distress reports from community leaders, security agencies and local government authorities following torrential rainfall that inundated several communities.

Affected communities in Damaturu include Moduri, Abbari Sabon Kwalta, Malari Sabon Kwalta, Pompomari, Sumsumma and Nayinawa. In Nguru, flooding was reported around New Side Best Centre, Balanguwa Road and communities across nine wards. Turbangini and Dinani/Lawanti Ward were affected in Bursari, while Alhaji Madi Street, Hausari and Machina town recorded incidents in Machina Local Government Area.

SEMA said preliminary assessments indicate that several residential buildings sustained varying degrees of damage, while verification is ongoing to determine the number of affected households, displaced persons and possible casualties.