Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A devastating flood triggered by a heavy downpour on Sunday, August 2, 2026, has claimed at least two lives and submerged several communities in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, while also spreading destruction across three other local government areas in the state. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the fatalities in a Flash Flood Incident Report issued on Monday, August 3, 2026, identifying the victims as 38-year-old Isa Haruna, a security personnel attached to a local figure known as Mallam Matari, and 18-year-old Abba Kyari, who reportedly drowned in the Pompomari area of the metropolis.
The floodwaters, which followed hours of torrential rainfall, inundated Malari, Pompomari, and surrounding communities in Damaturu Local Government Area, forcing emergency responders to launch a search and rescue operation after reports of people trapped by rising water levels. According to the agency, its Search and Rescue Team, in collaboration with the Yobe State Fire Service, responded to distress calls from the affected communities. Upon arrival at the scene, the victims were confirmed dead and their bodies were conveyed to the mortuary at the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu. Authorities have yet to give an estimate of the property damage caused by the flood in the affected areas.
The flooding in Damaturu was part of a wider weather event that affected four local government areas across the state. SEMA reported that heavy rainfall and flash flooding also struck Nguru, Machina, and Bursari Local Government Areas, damaging homes and leaving many families displaced. In Damaturu, affected communities included Moduri, Abbari Sabon Kwalta, Malari Sabon Kwalta, Pompomari, Sumsumma and Nayinawa. In Nguru, flooding was reported around New Side Best Centre, Balanguwa Road and communities across nine wards. Turbangini and Dinani/Lawanti Ward were affected in Bursari, while Alhaji Madi Street, Hausari and Machina town recorded incidents in Machina. Preliminary field observations indicate that numerous residential structures sustained varying levels of damage, while the exact number of affected households, displaced persons and injuries is still being verified.
Residents of the affected communities expressed frustration over the recurring flooding, blaming the absence of proper drainage channels for the devastation. A resident of Malari Quarters, Malam Bulama Jalaluddeen, said the flood hit many houses and toilets, forcing residents to flee and seek refuge elsewhere. He appealed to the government to construct drainages that will channel the water properly. Another resident, Modu Adamu of Abbari Sabon Kwalta, said many families passed the night outside their homes after floodwaters submerged the area, with some people selling their houses and relocating because of the yearly flooding that continues to destroy their property.
The agency has appealed to residents to take precautionary measures as the rainy season intensifies, warning that children are particularly vulnerable because schools are currently on holiday. SEMA urged parents and guardians to keep children away from rivers, culverts and flood-prone areas, while advising residents not to drive or walk through flooded roads and waterways. It also called on residents to clear blocked drainage channels, remain attentive to weather advisories, relocate to safer and elevated areas whenever flooding occurs, avoid contact with contaminated floodwater and promptly report emergencies to relevant authorities. The development comes days after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency warned of above-normal rainfall and heightened flood risk in several states, including Yobe, urging residents in flood-prone communities to relocate where necessary and observe safety precautions. As authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, the people of Yobe State are left to count their losses and pray for an end to the relentless rains.
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