The Yobe Government has issued a new flood alert for nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) due to the anticipated release of water from the Dadinkowa and Lagdo dams.
The affected LGAs include Nguru, Bade, Karasuwa, Jakusko, Yusufari, Geidam, Tarmuwa, Bursari, Machina, Gujba, and Fune. Dr. Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), issued the warning in a statement from Damaturu on Tuesday.
Dr. Goje highlighted that the additional water release will exacerbate the existing flooding issues that have already devastated the area following several days of heavy rain. He noted that Yobe has experienced significant flooding from April 15 to September 9, 2024, affecting over 19,000 households across 432 communities.
“This advisory serves as an early warning for further flooding due to the imminent discharge of water from Dadinkowa Dam, Hadeja-Jama’are River, River Kamodugu, and Lagdo Dam in Cameroon,” Goje stated.
He advised residents to take precautionary measures, such as relocating to higher grounds to protect their lives and property. He also encouraged people to stay updated through local leaders, authorities, and the state emergency management agency, and to keep emergency contact information readily available.