The National Emergency Management Agency has said the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook identified Yobe State as one of 31 states with high-risk of flooding.

The Director General NEMA, Zubaida Umar, spoke at the inauguration of 2024 Effective Waste Management and Flood Mitigation Sensitisation Campaign on Tuesday in Damaturu, Yobe State.

Ms Umar, represented by NEMA’s Deputy Director Finance and Account, Aminu Ringim, added that Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency had forecasted that eight local government areas in the state were at risk of flooding.

She listed the local government areas as Bade, Jakusko, Yunusari, Gulani, Geidam, Potiskum, Borsari and Karasuwa.

She stated, “Recognising the urgency of the situation, NEMA conducted a Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting in April and an Emergency Coordination Forum in May. These meetings analysed the forecasts and designed a comprehensive communication strategy. This strategy involves disseminating early warning messages at the state, local government and community levels.’’

Ms Umar commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for taking proactive measures to mitigate the flood risks.

She said, “While past floods have severely impacted Yobe State, I commend you for the proactive measures your government has taken to mitigate flood risks. Disaster management is everyone’s business; we must work together to safeguard vulnerable communities; protect vital infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Yobe.’’

The North-East Zonal Coordinator, NEMA, Garba Sirajo, called on the general public to desist from the habit of improper waste disposal particularly discarding waste into drainage channels.

He said, “This irresponsible behaviour not only leads to blockages and flooding but also poses a severe threat to public health, infrastructure and the environment.’’

Mr Surajo added that clogging of drainage systems due to waste accumulation not only exacerbated the risk of flooding but also served as a breeding ground for diseases, putting the well-being of communities at risk.

The Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Muhammed Goje, said that Yobe had commenced sensitisation campaigns in the highlighted local government areas.

Mr Goje, represented by Dr Muhammed Jalo, said the agency had directed the Director Dams and Reservoir to keep monitoring the level and issue two weeks early warning for provision of evacuation sites, among other measures.

(NAN)