Two people have died in a flood that swept through Malari, Pompomari, and surrounding communities in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State following heavy rainfall on Sunday. The tragic incident was confirmed by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in a Flash Flood Incident Report released shortly after the event. The victims, identified as Isa Haruna, 38, a security personnel attached to Mallam Matari, and Abba Kyari, 18, drowned in the Pompomari area during the flooding. SEMA’s Search and Rescue Team, working alongside the State Fire Service in Damaturu, responded immediately to the scene.
Upon arrival, rescue teams confirmed both individuals had succumbed to the floodwaters. Their bodies were recovered and taken to the mortuary at the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital in Damaturu for further procedures. The agency emphasized the suddenness and severity of the flood, which caught many residents off guard despite ongoing weather advisories. No other casualties have been reported so far, but SEMA is still assessing the full extent of the damage.
In response to the tragedy, SEMA has issued a public advisory urging parents and guardians to closely supervise children, especially with schools currently on vacation. The agency highlighted the dangers children face near water bodies during rainy seasons and warned against playing or venturing near rivers, culverts, or flooded areas. SEMA also listed six precautionary measures for residents: avoid flooded roads and waterways, keep children away from dangerous water sources, report emergencies promptly to SEMA, clear blocked drains, stay alert to weather warnings, and move to higher ground during floods while avoiding contact with contaminated water.
The state government has not yet provided an official estimate of property damage caused by the flood. However, local residents have reported widespread destruction of homes, farmlands, and infrastructure in the affected areas. The heavy rainfall, which lasted several hours, overwhelmed drainage systems and led to rapid water accumulation in low-lying neighborhoods. SEMA continues to monitor the situation and has deployed additional personnel to assist in relief efforts.
This incident underscores the growing vulnerability of communities in northern Nigeria to extreme weather events linked to climate change. As rainy seasons become more intense, authorities are under increasing pressure to improve early warning systems and disaster preparedness. The loss of life in Malari and Pompomari serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater public awareness and coordinated emergency responses across the region.
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