Flood Disaster in Yobe: 21 Communities Hit, Over 600 Residents Displaced in Potiskum
Story: written By Myra Chinonso August 18,2025
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that at least 21 communities in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State were affected by severe flooding following heavy rainfall.
In a statement, NEMA disclosed that the flood submerged homes and displaced hundreds of families, forcing many to seek temporary shelter. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), alongside humanitarian partners, has since launched an emergency response and is currently conducting detailed assessments of the situation.
“As floodwaters continue to recede, many residents are returning to their homes to recover belongings. However, displacement remains widespread, with households across several communities still severely impacted,” NEMA stated.
According to the initial report, the affected communities span five wards and include Old Prison, Filin Mashe, Unguwar Makafi, Unguwar Jaje Bakin Kwari, Afghanistan, Tsangaya, Karofi, Bayan Garejin Dan Juma, Jigawa (Behind NTA), Makarahuta, Tandari, Nahuta, Rugan Fulani, Ramin Kasa, Uganda (Behind New Prison), Gadan Talakawa Arikime, Yindiski (Bayan Stadium), Unguwar Wazamn Dan Fulani, Yandiksi Ganuwa, Filin Allah, and Helma Saleh/Kukuwale.
Currently, 102 households comprising 612 individuals remain displaced and are taking refuge at Sabon Gari Primary School in Potiskum. NEMA noted that most of these families were evacuated from Bayan Garejin Dan Juma (56 households), Afghanistan (21 households), and Unguwar Wazamn Dan Fulani (25 households).
The agency commended the Yobe State Government for swiftly providing relief items such as food, shelter materials, mosquito nets, blankets, buckets, and medical assistance through YEMABUS and Primary Health Care teams.
Relief officials assured that food distribution is ongoing while efforts are underway to reintegrate the displaced households into host communities. NEMA added that the joint response team is identifying humanitarian gaps to ensure further interventions from the Federal Government and development partners.
Authorities also confirmed that plans are in motion to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) once conditions become favorable.
