The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of communities affected by flooding in Jimeta and Yola, warning residents against constructing buildings and other structures on waterways.

Farauta undertook the inspection following a heavy downpour that submerged several communities and disrupted activities in parts of the state capital.

The Deputy Governor, accompanied by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Sadiq Muhammed, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Suleiman Abubakar, visited some of the worst-affected areas to assess the extent of the flooding and the immediate needs of residents.

The inspection covered Bachure, Kasuwan Katako, the Welcome to Yola half-cloverleaf flyover axis, Nyibango and Tashan Sani, among other affected locations.

Speaking during the assessment, Farauta attributed part of the recurring flooding in the affected communities to indiscriminate construction on waterways, stressing the need for residents to desist from activities that obstruct the natural flow of water.

She warned that building on waterways and blocking drainage channels could worsen the impact of flooding, urging residents to comply with environmental regulations and avoid activities that expose communities to unnecessary risks.

The Deputy Governor expressed gratitude that no life was lost in the incident, while assuring residents that the state government would continue to take measures and provide the necessary infrastructure to protect lives and property.

According to her, the government remains committed to addressing environmental challenges and improving drainage infrastructure to enhance the safety and well-being of residents across the state.

Some residents affected by the flooding, including Mrs. Ngozi Obioma and John Monday, identified inadequate drainage, blocked drainage channels and construction on waterways as some of the factors responsible for the flooding.

They appealed to the state government to expand existing drainage channels and improve their capacity to effectively convey stormwater, particularly in flood-prone communities.

The affected areas visited by the Deputy Governor included Bachure, Kasuwan Katako, Nyibango, Tashan Sani and the Welcome to Yola half-cloverleaf flyover axis, where residents have continued to grapple with the effects of the heavy rainfall.