In Yobe: Windstorm, flood affects 31,262 in Yobe – SEMA

The Yobe Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) says over 31,262 thousands households have been affected by windstorm and floods across 255 communities from 17 LGAs of the state from may 2022 to date.

Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Mohammed Goje, made this known Tuesday while briefing journalist in Damaturu.

Goje said the affected communities were Mutai, Kukuwa Tasha, Buni Gari and Buni- Yadi in Gujba,while Gulani, Jakusko, Tarmuwa, Geidam and Bade witnessed the worst in nearly half a century.

He noted that 75 fatalities have been reported as a direct consequence of windstorm and floods with many more lives at risk from May to date across 10 LGAs, including 11 due to boat Mishaps and over 200 sustained injuries and were treated and discharged free.

“A total of 6,592 people has been internally displaced across the affected communities, transiting and returning as water flow subsides.

“This does not include IDP returnee communities who are just returning and have limited access to farmlands and needed specific support on protection as they may face vulnerability and may need to resort to negative coping strategies.

“In many of the affected communities, especially Gulani, Gujba, Tarmuwa and Jakusko, access roads has been disconnected.This has led to difficulty in delivering live saving supports.

“Governor Mai Mala Buni has directed for immediate reconstruction and provision of alternative routes and work has since commence with 3 of the 10 roads now accessible,” he said.
Mohammed Goje further said a multisectoral needs assessment is currently ongoing across 17 LGAs.
“We have successfully relocated some victims in worse hit communities from Gujba, Gulani, Jakusko, Karasuwa and to approved public places and safe host neighbouring communities SEMA has provided and distributed first line food basket to some of the affected populations.

“SEMA provided over 21,000 empty sacks for Embankment used in Bade, Karasuwa, Geidam, Bursari and Jakusko.This is in addition to SACKs provided by philanthropist and other stakeholders that has greatly helped in closing gaps and protecting many communities from falling to flood and displacement, ” said Goje.

He states that the state governor has also directed SEMA to come up with immediate solution and ensure all victims are registered and captured to be supported within available resources.