59 communities at risk of flood in Yobe
Dr Mohammad Goje, Executive Secretary, Yobe state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) says 59 communities in six local government areas of the state are at risk of flooding.
Goje, who stated this at a media briefing in Damaturu on Tuesday, listed the areas to include Jakusko, Geidam, Bursari, Karasuwa, Bade and Yunusari.
He said the agency had advised residents of the areas to relocate to higher grounds for safety.
“ Unfortunately many could not comply, and some showed resistance in relocating.
“ While some communities have complied and agreed that women, young children, and elderly to relocate, other community members resolved to remain and ensure embankment to protect their communities from more destructions,” the ES said.
Goje said a multi sectorial effort was on to come up with immediate solution to flood in the state and ensure all victims are registered and captured to be supported within available resources
“We will come up with midterm recommendations to see how all donor agencies will key into government priority in terms of supporting the victims of flood
“ Come up with midterm recommendation on how dry season farming can complement the loss of the farmers
“ Come up with lasting recommendations amongst which is how to harvest the flood water for use; how to engage neighboring states and also how to engage other federal MDAs for lasting solution,” he said.
The executive secretary said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had supported victims in terms of food and non-food items after joint assessment and sharing of reports.
He said NEMA had also pledged to provide grains from National Grain Reserve to complement the gaps created due by flood.