FLOOD CLAIMS TWO LIVES IN DAMATURU AS YOBE SEMA ISSUES SAFETY ADVISORY

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

Two people have been confirmed dead after severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall swept through Malari, Pompomari and nearby communities in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State on Sunday.

The fatalities were disclosed in a flash flood incident report released by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

According to the agency, the victims were identified as 38-year-old Isa Haruna, a security personnel attached to Mallam Matari, and 18-year-old Abba Kyari, who reportedly drowned in the Pompomari area.

SEMA said its Search and Rescue Team, working alongside the Yobe State Fire Service in Damaturu, responded promptly to the incident.

On arrival, the emergency responders confirmed that both victims had died and conveyed their bodies to the mortuary at the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital in Damaturu.

In the aftermath of the flooding, SEMA urged residents, particularly parents and guardians, to closely monitor children during the school holiday period to prevent further tragedies.

The agency also advised the public to avoid flooded roads and waterways, keep children away from rivers, culverts and drainage channels, clear blocked drains, heed weather advisories, relocate to higher ground during flooding, and avoid contact with potentially contaminated floodwater.

Residents were further encouraged to promptly report flood-related emergencies to the agency.

Authorities have yet to assess the full extent of property damage caused by the flooding in the affected communities.