By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Heavy rainfall in Potiskum, Yobe State, has caused severe flooding, submerging houses and collapsing some structures under the force of the floodwaters.
Many residents have been displaced, with their homes either inundated or rendered unsafe.
In some locations, the floodwaters eroded graveyards and caused further structural damage.
The disaster has brought significant hardship to the community, leaving residents in urgent need of shelter, food, and other essentials.
One of the affected residents, Abdullahi Isa, appealed to the Yobe State Government and Potiskum Local Government for rescue and assistance to cope with the situation.
Our reporter visited several of the affected areas, where residents called on the state government to intervene and provide aid.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Mohammad Goje, said that following the heavy downpour alert in Potiskum, Governor Mai Mala Buni directed an immediate response.
“We received an emergency alert about the early morning downpour on August 15, 2025, and have since activated our
field team.
“As of this report, no lives have been lost.
“A detailed assessment is ongoing, and the government will ensure immediate life-saving support, protection, and response.” Dr. Goje said.
The Goje added that, preliminary reports and spatial analysis indicate that the worst-hit areas include Old Prison, Filin Mashe, Unguwar Makafi, Unguwar Jaje, Bakin Kwari, Afghanistan, Tsangaya, Karofi, Bayan Garejin Dan Jumma, Jigawa Bayan, Makarahuta, and Tandari.
SEMA also urged community leaders, landowners, and institutions to intensify public awareness on proper land use and to avoid construction on waterways to prevent future disasters.
