Many Families Displaced As Flood Destroys Houses In Yobe

Many families have been displaced while several houses were destroyed after a heavy downpour triggered flash floods in parts of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

Residents of the affected communities told Daily Trust that floodwaters submerged their homes on Saturday, forcing many families to seek refuge with relatives and in public buildings.

A resident of Malari Quarters, Malam Bulama Jalaluddeen, said the flood hit many houses, leaving many residents with no option but to flee.

“The flood hit people’s houses and toilets, forcing them to flee and seek refuge elsewhere. We are calling on the relevant authorities to come to our aid,” he said.

Jalaluddeen blamed the recurring flooding on the absence of drainage channels, saying many houses and sanitation facilities had been damaged.

“The water has destroyed people’s houses and toilets because there are no drainage channels to carry the water away. We appeal to the government to construct drainages that will channel the water properly,” he added.

Another resident, Modu Adamu of Abbari Sabon Kwalta, said many families passed the night outside their homes after floodwaters submerged the area.

“Many families have left their homes to sleep elsewhere because the floods forced them out. Some people have even sold their houses and relocated because of the yearly flooding that continues to destroy their property,” he said.

He said some of the affected residents had taken refuge in public buildings because they had nowhere else to go.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the incident, saying it received multiple distress reports from community leaders, security agencies and local government authorities following the heavy rainfall.

In a statement, the agency said the flooding affected communities in Damaturu, Nguru, Machina and Bursari local government areas of the state.

The affected communities, according to the agency, included Moduri, Abbari Sabon Kwalta, Malari Sabon Kwalta, Pompomari, Sumsumma and Nayinawa in Damaturu LGA; New Side Best Centre Balanguwa Road and several communities across nine wards in Nguru LGA; Turbangini and Dinani/Lawanti Ward in Bursari LGA; and Alhaji Madi Street, Hausari and Machina town in Machina LGA.

SEMA said the list contained only communities that had been formally reported and verified, adding that more affected communities might be identified as assessments continue.

The agency said preliminary findings showed that many residential buildings sustained varying degrees of damage, while the number of affected households, displaced persons and possible injuries was still being verified.

It said it had deployed a Rapid Assessment Team comprising SEMA officials, local government representatives and trained community volunteers to assess the extent of the damage and determine the required intervention.

The agency advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas, riverbanks and drainage channels during heavy rainfall, warning motorists and pedestrians against attempting to drive or walk through floodwaters.

It also urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances during storms, stay away from fallen power lines and maintain proper hygiene to prevent outbreaks of water-borne diseases in the aftermath of the flooding. (Daily trust)