The Yobe State Government has unveiled measures to support 126,000 households (about 467,976 people) living in high-risk local government areas.
This initiative follows a report by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), which revealed that from January to August 2025, windstorms, heavy rains, and floods affected 4,521 households and claimed seven lives.
Addressing journalists at the Adviser’s Complex, Damaturu, during the presentation of the 2025 Flood Preparedness Plan, SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Goje Mohammed, explained that the intervention is crucial as climate change and recurring floods continue to endanger lives, livelihoods, and development.
He added that Yobe State has developed a comprehensive 2025 Flood Preparedness Plan, guided by NiMet and NIHSA seasonal forecasts, along with lessons drawn from the severe flooding experienced between 2022 and 2024.
He said the plan was targeting 126,000 households (467,976 individuals) across high-risk LGAs, with contingency arrangements for 15,967 potentially displaced persons.
The SEMA boss said the agency, backed by the state government’s proactive support, has activated rapid interventions to address specific flood incidents.
“On August 15, a flash flood in Potiskum LGA affected 21 settlements across 5 wards, displacing 1,261 households (12,470 individuals). Within hours of the incident, emergency measures were activated, including wet feeding for displaced families, temporary shelters, medical support, and rapid needs assessments. Even though 85 percent of houses were mud structures and heavily damaged, families quickly received relief supplies, healthcare, and reintegration assistance.
“Similarly, on August 17, in Nangere LGA, following distress calls from Garin Kolo and Ajim communities, SEMA deployed field teams and volunteers to assist 550 households (2,937 individuals). Emergency measures included sandbagging and embankment construction, food aid, safe water provision, and sanitation kits to avert disease outbreaks, he said.
According to him, in a bid to ensure that life-saving interventions are never delayed, the state government has carried out rapid assessments, mobilized resources, distributed life-saving items, and ensured disease prevention in affected communities.
“We have already started the implementation of sensitization campaigns, activation of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and mobilization of 178 community volunteers across 10 high-risk LGAs to ensure timely communication, evacuation, and rapid response.
“At least 7,500 sandbags were provided for embankment reinforcement, mapping of flood-prone areas, strengthening temporary shelters, and ensuring that critical storage facilities in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Gashua are fully functional for stockpiling.
“A food staple for 20,000 households, shelter materials for 10,000 households, and non-food items (dignity kits, hygiene supplies, mosquito nets, mats, blankets) were provided by the Yobe State government,” he said.
