Devastating Floods in Yobe Leave More Than 4,500 Households Affected and Seven Dead

Authorities in Yobe State have reported widespread devastation after a series of flash floods and windstorms swept through communities, displacing thousands and leaving at least seven people dead.

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that “No fewer than 4,521 households were affected by a recent flash flood that ravaged several communities in Yobe State,” and that emergency measures were immediately put into action.

The agency’s executive secretary, Mohammed Goje, briefed journalists on a response that included food, shelter, and medical assistance.

Goje provided a detailed account of the worst incidents, explaining the rapid onset and scale of the damage: “On August 15, a flash flood in the Potiskum LGA affected 21 settlements across 5 wards, displacing 1,261 households (12,470 individuals).

Within hours, emergency measures were activated, including wet feeding for displaced families, temporary shelters, medical support, and rapid needs assessments.”

He added that many homes were mud structures and sustained severe damage, and that relief supplies and healthcare were provided promptly.

A further incident on August 17 required immediate deployment to Nangere LGA after distress calls from Garin Kolo and Ajim communities, where responders assisted hundreds of households.

“Similarly, on August 17, in the Nangere LGA, following distress calls from Garin Kolo and Ajim communities, SEMA deployed field teams and volunteers to assist 550 households (2,937 individuals),” he said, noting measures including sandbagging, embankment construction and distribution of sanitation kits to prevent outbreaks.

The agency is working with partners and other state bodies, appealing for further assistance because “no single government could on its own respond to the growing scale and complexity of humanitarian emergencies.”

In an effort to mitigate future disasters, officials say they are stepping up monitoring and early-warning systems along major rivers and have trained local rapid-response teams.

SEMA has partnered with the Yobe State Geographic Information Service and deployed “a real-time river flow monitoring along the Yobe, Komadugu, Katagum, and Hadejia rivers,” while also using digital community reporting linked to a live dashboard.

The measures aim to prevent unsafe building on waterways and to strengthen frontline capacity for search, rescue, and disease control.