Deadly Flood In Yobe Capital Sweeps Away Two Persons

A 38-year-old security guard and an 18-year-old teenager have lost their lives after deadly floodwaters swept through parts of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, following a heavy rainfall that inundated several communities in the state on Sunday. It was learnt that the flooding affected Malari, Pompomari and neighbouring areas in Damaturu Local Government Area, forcing emergency responders to launch a search and rescue operation after reports of people trapped by rising water levels. Details of the incident were contained in a flash flood situation report released by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), which confirmed that two fatalities were recorded in the disaster. The agency identified the deceased as 38-year-old Isa Haruna, a security personnel attached to Mallam Matari, and 18-year-old Abba Kyari, who was said to have drowned in the Pompomari axis of the metropolis. According to SEMA, its Search and Rescue Team worked alongside officials of the Yobe State Fire Service in responding to distress calls from the affected communities. “Upon arrival at the scene, the victims were confirmed dead and their bodies were conveyed to the mortuary at the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu,” the agency stated. In the aftermath of the incident, SEMA appealed to residents to take precautionary measures as the rainy season intensifies, warning that children are particularly vulnerable because schools are currently on holiday. The agency urged parents and guardians to keep children away from rivers, culverts and flood-prone areas, while advising residents not to drive or walk through flooded roads and waterways. It also called on residents to clear blocked drainage channels, remain attentive to weather advisories, relocate to safer and elevated areas whenever flooding occurs, avoid contact with contaminated floodwater and promptly report emergencies to relevant authorities. As of the time of filing this report, officials have not released any estimate of the damage to homes, infrastructure or other property in the affected communities.