Flood kills security personnel, teenager in Yobe

Heavy rainfall has led to fatal flooding in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that Isa Haruna, a 38-year-old security personnel, and 18-year-old Abba Kyari drowned in the Pompomari area following torrential downpours early Monday.

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Upon receiving distress calls, the Search and Rescue Team of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the Yobe State Fire Service, responded promptly to the affected areas. Unfortunately, the victims were found dead.

The widespread flooding affected multiple communities, including Malari and Pompomari. SEMA's Search and Rescue Team, in collaboration with the Yobe State Fire Service, responded to distress calls but unfortunately found the victims deceased. Their bodies were transported to the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital in Damaturu.

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As the rainy season continues, residents are strongly advised to exercise caution during heavy rainfall. Members of the public should avoid walking, playing or driving through flooded roads, drainage channels and waterways, as floodwaters can be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.

SEMA expressed deep concern over the recurrent dangers posed by seasonal flooding. The agency issued a strong advisory to residents, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to exercise extreme caution during heavy rainfall. They warned against walking, playing, or driving through flooded roads and waterways, emphasizing that floodwaters can be deceptively deep and hazardous.

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Parents and guardians should ensure that children are kept away from rivers, streams, culverts and floodwaters, particularly as schools are currently on vacation.

Furthermore, SEMA highlighted the increased risks for children during school vacations. Parents and guardians were urged to closely supervise their children and keep them away from rivers, streams, culverts, and floodwaters. The agency also appealed for public cooperation with emergency responders, encouraging prompt reporting of flood-related emergencies or missing persons, and the adoption of preventive measures to mitigate flood impacts.

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We urge members of the public to report flood-related emergencies or missing persons without delay, clear blocked drainages where it is safe to do so, pay attention to weather updates and early warning alerts, and move to higher ground whenever flooding occurs.