According to the National Emergency Management Agency, the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook has highlighted Yobe as one of 31 states at high risk of flooding.
During the inauguration of the 2024 Effective Waste Management and Flood Mitigation Sensitisation Campaign in Damaturu, Yobe, the Director General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, emphasized this point.
Umar, represented by Mr. Aminu Ringim, NEMA’s Deputy Director Finance and Account, further stated that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency had identified eight local government areas in Yobe susceptible to flooding.
These areas include Bade, Jakusko, Yunusari, Gulani, Geidam, Potiskum, Borsari, and Karasuwa.
To address the imminent threat, NEMA held a Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting in April and an Emergency Coordination Forum in May for analysis of forecasts and designing a robust communication strategy.
The strategy aims at disseminating early warning messages at various levels including state, local government, and community initiatives.
Umar praised Gov. Mai Mala Buni for his proactive efforts in alleviating the flood risks in the region.
Emphasizing the importance of disaster management, she stressed the need for collective action to protect vulnerable communities, essential infrastructure, and maintain socio-economic activities in Yobe.
Mr. Garba Sirajo, the Northeast Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, urged the public to refrain from improper waste disposal practices, especially the habit of dumping waste into drainage systems.
He emphasized that such irresponsible behavior not only leads to blockages and flooding but also poses serious threats to public health, infrastructure, and the environment.
Clogging of drainage systems due to waste accumulation not only escalates the risk of flooding but also creates breeding grounds for diseases, endangering the well-being of communities.
Dr. Muhammed Goje, the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, mentioned that sensitization campaigns have been initiated in the identified local government areas.
Represented by Muhammed Jalo, Goje outlined the agency’s directives for continuous monitoring of water levels by the Director of Dams and Reservoir to provide timely warnings and establish evacuation plans among other measures.
Source: NAN.