Yola, Nigeria – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that the ongoing flooding in Adamawa State is due to the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
Mr. Ladan Ayuba, the NEMA Head of Operations in Adamawa, disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria that the flood has affected at least 9,733 houses across several local government areas (LGAs) in the state. The affected areas include Jada, Hong, Mayo-Belwa, Madagali, and Fufore.
Ayuba highlighted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had previously predicted that Adamawa would be one of the states to experience significant flooding in 2024. He urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations or higher ground to ensure their safety.
“The areas most likely to be affected by the flooding are Fufore, Yola-North, Yola-South, Girei, Numan, Lamurde, and Gombi LGAs,” Ayuba stated. He advised residents to stay informed through radio broadcasts and to adhere to NEMA’s safety instructions.
For public safety, Ayuba issued several key recommendations:
Avoid flood-prone areas and stay on higher ground.
Do not dump refuse in waterways to prevent blockages.
Refrain from drinking or using floodwater to avoid cholera outbreaks.
Only return home when authorities have declared it safe to do so.
Additionally, Ayuba emphasized the importance of ongoing public sensitization efforts and called on traditional leaders to help disseminate critical safety information, particularly to those without access to media.
“NEMA is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents. We urge everyone to cooperate with our guidelines and to prioritize their health and safety during this challenging period,” Ayuba concluded.
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