Flash flood ravages Yobe communities, displaces 1,020 people
A flash flood in Kukareta and nearby communities within the Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State has displaced more than 1,020 individuals from 143 households. The deluge was caused by heavy rainfall, impacting six communities and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, with 278 shelters reported damaged.
This information was detailed in a rapid assessment report prepared by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), along with local government officials and community stakeholders. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Jalo, SEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue Operations, confirmed that there were no fatalities or injuries resulting from the incident, nor was any public infrastructure affected.
Among the hardest-hit areas, Lawanti Gana experienced damage to 68 shelters, displacing 249 people across 30 households. Similarly, Bulama Gremari reported damage to 41 shelters affecting 149 individuals in 18 households. The Kokari IDP Camp was particularly affected, with damage to 63 shelters impacting 232 residents across 48 households.
Additional affected communities include Fulatari, which reported 38 damaged shelters affecting 141 people across 17 households; Tsohuwar Kasuwa, with 36 shelters damaged impacting 133 individuals in 16 households; and Bulama Adam, where 32 shelters were affected and 116 people were displaced from 14 households.
SEMA has identified Kokari IDP Camp as the most severely impacted location. The agency has urged residents to stay vigilant due to the possibility of further rainfall and to seek higher ground if water levels rise.
Residents are also advised to avoid flooded areas and contaminated water. To mitigate the risk of water-borne diseases, SEMA recommends boiling or treating drinking water and practicing regular hand hygiene.
The agency is encouraging affected individuals to report any further damage, missing persons, or urgent needs to SEMA, the local government emergency desk, or nearby officials. Cooperation with assessment and relief teams is also requested as efforts continue to address the impact of the flood.
In response to the critical needs, Jalo stated that SEMA is collaborating with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners to provide immediate assistance, prioritizing the needs of the affected IDP camp and the most vulnerable families.
