Flood kills two in Damaturu as Yobe SEMA issues safety advisory
Flooding in Yobe State Claims Two Lives
DAMATURU, Yobe State — Two individuals have been confirmed deceased following severe flooding that affected Malari, Pompomari, and neighboring areas in the Damaturu Local Government Area on Sunday. The heavy rainfall prompted a Flash Flood Incident Report from the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The victims were identified as Isa Haruna, 38, a security personnel associated with Mallam Matari, and Abba Kyari, 18, who reportedly drowned in the Pompomari region.
A search and rescue team from Yobe SEMA, in collaboration with the State Fire Service, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they confirmed the deaths and transported the bodies to the mortuary at the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital in Damaturu.
In light of the incident, SEMA has advised the public, especially parents and guardians, to monitor their children closely during the current school vacation. The agency has also issued six safety recommendations, which include avoiding flooded roads, keeping children away from rivers and culverts, and promptly reporting emergencies to SEMA. Additionally, it urged residents to clear blocked drainages, heed weather warnings, move to higher ground during floods, and avoid contact with potentially contaminated water.
Authorities have yet to provide an estimate of the property damage caused by the flooding in the affected areas.
