Flood kills security personnel, teenager in Yobe

Two persons have died after a heavy downpour triggered flooding in parts of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday, identifying the victims as Isa Haruna, 38, a security personnel popularly known as Mallam Matari, and 18-year-old Abba Kyari.

According to SEMA, both victims drowned in the Pompomari area after torrential rainfall in the early hours of Monday caused widespread flooding across Malari, Pompomari and adjoining communities.

The agency disclosed that its Search and Rescue Team, working in collaboration with the Yobe State Fire Service, responded swiftly after receiving distress calls from affected residents.

“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 statement read.

SEMA added that the bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital in Damaturu.

The agency expressed concern over the recurring danger posed by flooding during the rainy season and urged residents to remain vigilant, especially those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

“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,” the agency stated.

SEMA also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, warning that the ongoing school vacation could expose them to unnecessary risks around flood-prone locations.

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

The agency further appealed to residents to cooperate with emergency responders by promptly reporting flood-related emergencies or missing persons and taking preventive measures to reduce the impact of flooding.

“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,” SEMA said.