The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that flood has destroyed homes and farmlands in 17 local government areas of Borno and Yobe states, and displaced thousands of residents.
The zonal coordinator of NEMA, Borno and Yobe states, Mr Surajo Garba disclosed this to journalists on Friday in Maiduguri.
He said that the affected areas include Kala-Balge, Mobbar, Biu, Jere Ngamboru-Ngala, Kaga and Dikwa in Borno, and 10 LGAs in Yobe State.
Mr Garba said a joint delegation is raising awareness about the dangers of blocking waterways, while NEMA and SEMA are working together to mitigate the impact, with relief efforts underway.
“The weather forecast from NIMET is extremely reliable, with an accuracy rate of almost 100 percent. We strongly advise individuals living in low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground for their safety.
This warning should not be taken lightly, and we urge residents in vulnerable areas to start evacuating immediately,” he said.
He said the flood has come at a critical time for farmers, and NEMA is assuring them of support to help them recover from the loss.
He stated that the agency, along with other stakeholders, is working to find long-term solutions to the flooding problem in Borno and Yobe states.
He said the flood has also raised concerns about the health and safety of the affected communities, still recovering from the Boko Haram insurgency.
“NEMA is working to provide medical assistance and prevent outbreaks,” Garba added.
