The National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that no fewer than 21 communities across five wards in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State were submerged following Friday’s downpour that resulted in torrential flooding.
NEMA’s Head of Press, while giving an update on the coordinated flood response on Sunday, said the agency was working alongside the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency and other humanitarian partners to provide immediate support to affected residents.
“Preliminary findings show that 21 communities were affected by the incident. Our teams are still on ground conducting detailed assessments,” the agency stated.
Some of the communities impacted include Old Prison, Filin Mashe, Unguwar Makafi, Unguwar Jaje Bakin Kwari, Afghanistan, Karofi, Bayan Garejin Dan Juma, Tsangaya, Jigawa (Behind NTA), Makarahuta, Tandari, Nahuta, Rugan Fulani, Ramin Kasa, Uganda (Behind New Prison), Gadan Talakawa Arikime, Yindiski (Bayan Stadium), Unguwar Wanzam Dan Fulani, Yandiski Ganuwa, Filin Allah and Helma Saleh/Kukuwale.
“At the moment, 102 households consisting of 612 people are taking refuge at Sabon Gari Primary School in Potiskum,” the agency added, noting that most of them were displaced from Bayan Garejin Dan Juma (56 households), Afghanistan (21 households), and Unguwar Wanzam Dan Fulani (25 households).
NEMA applauded the relief efforts of the Yobe State Government through SEMA, which has supplied food packs, temporary shelter materials, hygiene kits, and medical assistance.
“We are providing food to displaced families and working on plans to reintegrate these households into surrounding host communities as soon as it is safe,” the agency said, adding that gaps in humanitarian needs were still being identified to help the Federal Government and aid partners scale up interventions.
The agency assured that it would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure sustained relief, early recovery, and a safe return for residents affected by the flooding.
