Flood affects 1,020 residents, damages 278 shelters

DAMATURU — No fewer than 1,020 residents have been affected and 278 shelters damaged by flash floods that swept through six communities and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed this in a flash flood incident report released on Sunday, October 4, 2026, by its Director of Search and Rescue Operations, Dr M.I. Jalo, in Damaturu.

According to the agency, the incident, triggered by heavy rainfall on September 2, affected 143 households across Lawanti Gana, Bulama Gremari, Kokari IDP Camp, Fulatari, Tsohuwar Kasuwa and Bulama Adam.

The Kokari IDP Camp recorded the highest impact, with 48 households comprising 232 people affected and 63 shelters damaged.

Lawanti Gana followed with 30 affected households involving 249 people, while 68 shelters were damaged.

Bulama Gremari recorded 18 affected households involving 149 people and 41 damaged shelters, while Fulatari had 17 households and 141 people affected, with 38 shelters damaged.

Tsohuwar Kasuwa recorded 16 affected households involving 133 people, with 36 shelters damaged, while Bulama Adam had 14 affected households comprising 116 people and 32 damaged shelters.

Jalo said no deaths or injuries were recorded in the incident.

“No deaths or injuries were recorded, and no public buildings were reported damaged,” he said.

He, however, said the agency was prioritising the Kokari IDP Camp and the most vulnerable families as emergency response efforts continued.

“Yobe SEMA is actively coordinating with line MDAs and key partners to deliver immediate assistance, prioritising the Kokari IDP Camp and the most vulnerable families,” Jalo said.

The agency urged residents to remain vigilant in the event of further rainfall and move to higher ground if water levels rise.

It also warned residents against entering flooded areas or contaminated waterways and advised affected communities to boil or treat drinking water and maintain regular handwashing to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases.

SEMA further urged residents to report additional damage, missing persons and urgent humanitarian needs, including food, water, shelter materials and medical support, to the agency, LGA Emergency Desk or nearest officials.

Residents were also advised to secure valuables and important documents in dry, elevated locations where possible and cooperate with assessment and relief teams.

The agency said further updates would be issued as the emergency response continues.