Floods have taken over Potiskum town in Yobe State following a heavy downpour while the governor, Mai Mala Buni, has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to commence an immediate response to communities affected.
The executive secretary of SEMA, Analysis, Mohammed Goje, stated that the agency received an emergency alert on the flooding and swiftly activated its field teams for rapid assessment and intervention.
He confirmed that though, no loss of life has been recorded as of the time of this report, the assessments and spatial analysis showed that, the following areas were affected: Old Prison, Filin Mashe, Unguwar Makafi, Unguwar Jaji Bakin Kwari, Afghanistan, Tsangaya, Karofi, Bayan Garejin Dan Juma, Jigawa Bayan, Makarahuta and Tandari.
According to him, the detailed assessment is ongoing, and the Yobe State Government will ensure that life-saving support, protection and immediate reliefs are provided to all affected persons.
He also assured of Governor Buni’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents, urging communities to remain vigilant during the rainy season and promptly report emergencies to relevant authorities.
Some of the residents in the town urged the National Emergency management Agency (NEMA) and the state government to rescue and assist them with relief materials to ease their hardship following the floods.
LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that many homes and farmlands have been destroyed by the heavy downpour in the town.
The affected areas which includes Unguwar Bataiya, Arikime, Prison, Tandari primary School, Jigawa ward, Unguwar Jaji, Unguwar Makafi and others.
A report by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had predicted heavy rainfall in parts of Yobe State, warning of potential flash flooding, riverine flooding and soil erosion.
Also, the government and emergency services said they are working to mitigate the effects of the flooding and provide support to those affected.
