The Yobe Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) has unveiled its response plan for 467,976 persons residing in flood-prone areas in the state.

Mohammad Goje, YOSEMA executive secretary, who made this known at a press conference in Damaturu on Monday, said the figure represented 126,000 households.

Mr Goje said that no fewer than 15,967 persons residing in flood-prone areas in the state were likely to be displaced.

According to him, the plan is comprehensive and multi-dimensional, designed to anticipate risks, mobilise resources, and strengthen community resilience.

“It involves real-time monitoring of the flows of the Yobe, Komadugu, Katagum, and Hadejia rivers and dissemination of Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) climate forecasts to high-risk areas,” he said.

He highlights the plan to include sensitisation campaigns, activation of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and mobilisation of 178 community volunteers across 10 high-risk local government areas (LGAs).

Others are “Training of LGAs’ rapid response teams on flood-related health emergencies and search-and-rescue operations, with advanced rescue kits, cholera treatment commodities, and hygiene kits provided to strengthen frontline response.

“Prepositioning of 7,500 sandbags for embankment reinforcement, mapping of flood-prone areas, strengthening of temporary shelters, and ensuring that critical storage facilities in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Gashua are fully functional for stockpiling.

“Strategic prepositioning of contingency stocks, including food staples for 20,000 households, shelter materials for 10,000 households, and non-food items (dignity kits, hygiene supplies, mosquito nets, mats, and blankets).”

He said the agency would deploy Flood Mitigation Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) in collaboration with UNICEF and ensure sector-level and MDA-based readiness.

Mr Goje said it would also formulate multi-hazard contingency plans for 10 LGAs of Damaturu, Gujba, Geidam, Bursari, Potiskum, Fika, Jakusko, Bade, Karasuwa, and Yunusari based on NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction with support from UNICEF.

On recent flash floods in Potiskum and Nangere, the executive secretary said relief materials were provided to 15,722 victims within hours of the incidents.

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

“Despite the fact that 85 per cent of houses were mud structures and heavily damaged, families quickly received relief supplies, healthcare, and reintegration assistance,” he said.

He commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for not only providing clear policy direction but also his political will for the timely provision of life-saving interventions when emergencies strike.

(NAN)