Agency

About 9,733 houses in Adamawa have been adversely affected by windstorms in 2024, the National Emergency Management Agency reveals.

Disclosing this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Yola, the NEMA Head of Operations in Adamawa, Mr Ladan Ayuba, said the agency has conducted an assessment in the affected local government areas which include Jada, Hong, Mayo-Belwa, Madagali and Fufore.

He urged those residing in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer places or higher ground for their safety.

Ayuba said the warning became necessary because of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s predictions that Adamawa was among the states to experience flooding in 2024.

The NEMA official said the likely areas to be affected are Fufore, Yola-North, Yola-south, Girei, Numan, Lamurde and Gombi LGAs.

“For your safety, please avoid flood-prone areas, stay on higher ground and stop dumping refuse in waterways,” Ayuba added.

He also advised residents to cultivate the habit of listening to the radio for relevant information and following instructions issued by the agency.

According to him, sensitisation was ongoing and he urged traditional leaders to complement the government’s efforts by ensuring that the messages get to their subjects as some have no access to the media.

“You should also not drink or wash clothes with flood water to avoid a cholera outbreak.

“People should only return home when the authorities say it is safe to do so because we are experiencing flood as a result of the release of water from Lagdo Dam of Cameron Republic,” Ayuba further advised.