In Gombe and Yobe states, approximately 4,167 homes and farmlands were devastated by flooding.
The Gombe State Emergency Management Agency reported that at least 2,517 houses and shops were affected by the floods, which impacted 33 communities in the state.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mohammed Goje, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, indicated that 1,650 homes were destroyed in the towns of Jajere and Yunusari.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, Mr. Ibrahim Nalado, the Deputy Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at Gombe SEMA, stated that the communities impacted by the floods were located in the Dukku, Funakaye, and Billiri local government areas.
He explained that the flooding was a result of heavy rainfall that occurred between August 12 and August 22 this year. “Dukku LGA saw 10 communities affected, Funakaye LGA had 20 communities impacted, and three communities in Billiri LGA were also affected,” he noted.
Nalado mentioned that the flooding and accompanying windstorm primarily damaged homes, with only a few farmlands affected. Fortunately, there were no fatalities; however, two children were injured in Dukku, along with seven animals that were swept away.
In Yobe, Goje reported that the recent flash floods displaced a total of 413 households. He added that a comprehensive assessment of the destruction caused by another flood event in Yusufari, Wagir, Mutai Chirokusko, Bade, and Potiskum towns is currently in progress.
He announced that plans are well underway to deliver relief materials to the affected communities within the next 24 to 48 hours, as instructed by Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Additionally, the Taraba State Government has declared the formation of a Flood Control Team across all 168 wards in the state to address the anticipated impact of flooding as the Republic of Cameroon prepares to release water from the Lagdo Dam.
Governor Agbu Kefas shared this information during a media briefing with journalists at the Government House in Jalingo on Saturday, explaining that the flood control team will also concentrate on emergency management and proactive strategies to prevent future disasters in the state.
Kefas said, “Our state is facing significant challenges due to flooding, affecting the lives and livelihoods of many of our citizens. In response, we are committed to finding lasting solutions to these challenges, working closely with experts and communities to mitigate the impact of flooding on our people.
“As part of our broader economic empowerment and infrastructure development, the Taraba Development Master Plan 2023-2050, have laid out a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development.
“Our efforts to complete legacy road projects in the state are aimed at boosting economic activities, creating jobs, and reducing poverty across our state.
The Anambra State government has advised residents living in flood-prone areas to move their crops, poultry, fish, and animals to safe locations to prevent damage from potential flooding.
This guidance was issued in anticipation of rising water levels in the River Niger and the upcoming release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, as well as activities upstream from Niger Republic and Mali.
The Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, relayed this message in a video shared on social media platforms.
Nwosu highlighted several high-risk areas like Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Awka North, Idemili South, Ekwusigo, and Ihiala. Reports indicate that residents in riverine communities along the River Niger have already begun relocating due to the river’s rising water levels.
Traditional ruler Igwe Chidume of Omor Community in Ayamelum local government confirmed residents’ awareness and action concerning the potential threats of flooding.
“We are advising our people living in the flood-prone farm settlements to move to higher ground immediately.
“We have also advised them to begin harvesting their crops promptly to avoid being caught off guard.”
A resident of Ogbaru local government, Nkechi Eche, highlighted, “We in Ogbaru are predominantly farmers, so, we have started harvesting some of our crops. Poultry and livestock farmers have been relocating their birds and other domestic animals to avoid destruction.”
