Following the heavy rainfall that led to flooding on Friday in Yobe State, no fewer than 21 communities across five wards of the Potiskum Local Government Area were affected, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on Sunday.
Giving an update on the flood response in Potiskum, NEMA said there was a joint swift intervention with the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency and other humanitarian partners.
The agency added that the joint response team remains on the ground conducting detailed assessments of the situation.
“As floodwaters continue to recede, many of the affected families have regained access to their homes and are working to salvage items left behind. However, the displacement situation remains significant, with a large number of households impacted across several communities.
“Preliminary validation indicates that 21 communities across five wards of Potiskum Local Government Area were affected by the flood.
“These include Old Prison, Filin Mashe, Unguwar Makafi, Unguwar Jaje Bakin Kwari, Afghanistan, Tsangaya, Karofi, Bayan Garejin Dan Juma, Jigawa (Behind NTA), Makarahuta, Tandari, Nahuta, Rugan Fulani, Ramin Kasa, Uganda (Behind New Prison), Gadan Talakawa Arikime, Yindiski (Bayan Stadium), Unguwar Wazamn Dan Fulani, Yandiksi Ganuwa, Filin Allah, and Helma Saleh/Kukuwale.
“Currently, 102 households (612 individuals) remain camped at Sabon Gari Primary School in Potiskum,” it said.
NEMA noted that the households were displaced from Bayan Garejin Dan Juma (56 households), Afghanistan (21 households) and Unguwar Wanzam Dan Fulani (25 households).
NEMA commended the Yobe State Government, through SEMA, for providing immediate relief items including food, shelter and hygiene materials (mats, mosquito nets, blankets, buckets, kettles), as well as medical support through YEMABUS and Primary Health Care teams.
“Food supplies are being provided for displaced households, while arrangements are being made to reintegrate the 102 camped households into host communities.
“The joint response team continues to identify gaps in humanitarian needs to guide further intervention by the Federal Government, development partners, and humanitarian actors. Efforts are ongoing to facilitate the safe and early return of internally displaced persons once conditions are conducive.
“NEMA, working closely with the Yobe State Government and partners, reaffirms its commitment to timely relief, coordination, and sustained recovery support for all households affected by the Potiskum flood disaster,” the agency added.