The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commended Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON for taking proactive measures towards mitigating the flood risks in the state.

The commendation was made by the Director General, DG NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, at the inauguration of 2024 Effective Waste Management and Flood Mitigation Sensitization Campaign on Tuesday in Damaturu, Yobe.

Umar, represented by NEMA’s Deputy Director Finance and Account, Mr Aminu Ringim, added that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency had forecast that eight local government areas in the state were at risk of flooding.

She listed the local government areas as Bade, Jakusko, Yunusari, Gulani, Geidam, Potiskum, Bursari and Karasuwa.

“Recognising the urgency of the situation, NEMA conducted a Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting in April and an Emergency Coordination Forum in May.

“These meetings analysed the forecasts and designed a comprehensive communication strategy.

“This strategy involves disseminating early warning messages at the state, local government and community levels she said.

Umar commended Gov. Mai Mala Buni for taking proactive measures to mitigate the flood risks.

“While past floods have severely impacted Yobe State, I commend you for the proactive measures your government has taken to mitigate flood risks.

“Disaster management is everyone’s business; we must work together to safeguard vulnerable communities; protect vital infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Yobe,” she said.

The Northeast Zonal Coordinator, NEMA, Mr Garba Sirajo, called on the general public to desist from the habit of improper waste disposal practices, particularly the act of discarding waste into our drainage channels.

“This irresponsible behavior not only leads to blockages and flooding but also poses a severe threat to public health, infrastructure and the environment,” he said.

Surajo added that clogging of drainage systems due to waste accumulation not only exacerbated the risk of flooding but also served as a breeding ground for diseases, putting the well-being of communities at grave risk.

The Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Mohammed Goje, said Yobe had commenced sensitisation campaigns to the highlighted local government areas.

Goje, represented by Muhammed Jalo, said the agency had directed the Director, Dams and Reservoir to keep monitoring the level and issue an early warning for the provision of evacuation sites, among other measures.

(NAN)