Flood Risks: Yobe State Identified as One of 31 States at High Risk
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified Yobe State as one of 31 states in Nigeria that are at high risk of flooding. According to the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), the state is expected to experience severe flooding due to improper waste disposal practices and clogged drainage systems.
NEMA Director General, Zubaida Umar, made this announcement during the inauguration of the 2024 Effective Waste Management and Flood Mitigation Sensitisation Campaign in Damaturu, Yobe State. Mrs Umar highlighted that eight local government areas in the state are at risk of flooding, including Bade, Jakusko, Yunusari, Gulani, Geidam, Potiskum, Borsari, and Karasuwa.
To mitigate the risks, NEMA conducted a Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting in April and an Emergency Coordination Forum in May. The agency has designed a comprehensive communication strategy to disseminate early warning messages to the state, local government, and community levels.
Mrs Umar commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for taking proactive measures to mitigate the flood risks. She emphasized that disaster management is everyone’s business and that it is essential to work together to safeguard vulnerable communities, protect vital infrastructure, and ensure uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Yobe State.
Garba Sirajo, the Northeast Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, also urged the public to desist from improper waste disposal practices, which can lead to blockages and flooding. He warned that clogged drainage systems can pose a severe threat to public health, infrastructure, and the environment.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has commenced sensitisation campaigns to the highlighted local government areas. The agency has directed the Director of Dams and Reservoir to keep monitoring the level and issue two weeks’ early warning for provision of evacuation sites, among other measures.
The people of Yobe State are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate the risks of flooding and to work together with the government to ensure a safer and more resilient community.
