Torrential Rain Wreaks Havoc in Adamawa Communities, Claims Lives, Submerges Homes
From Umar Dankano, Yola
A heavy downpour has wreaked havoc across several communities in Adamawa State, submerging houses and claiming multiple lives, including those of children.
The torrential rain, which began in the early hours of Sunday, caught many residents unawares as they slept. They woke up to rising floodwaters engulfing their homes, leaving several in shock and confusion.
Reports indicate that the rainfall, which lasted for nearly ten hours, caused widespread flooding in communities within Yola South Local Government Area such as Modire, Yola Bypass, Yolde-Pate, Shagari Quarters (Phase I and II), Bole, and Wuro-Hausa. Areas in Yola North, including Jambutu, Anguwan Tana, and Bakin Kogi, were also affected.
Many displaced residents have sought refuge in schools and the homes of friends and relatives in safer, elevated areas, as sympathizers rally around the victims.
Efforts to reach the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Celine Laori, were unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls made to her verified mobile number at the time of filing this report.
It was, however, gathered that ADSEMA had earlier warned residents in lowland areas to relocate to higher ground, citing predictions of possible flooding this month.
A victim, identified simply as Modi, lamented that the flood this year has been the most devastating in memory. He linked the scale of destruction to ongoing mining activities allegedly carried out by Chinese expatriates under heavy security protection.
“In my area, Sabon Pegi, both humans and animals have died. Some parents are still searching for their missing children,” he said with deep regret.
Meanwhile, some residents have commended the timely intervention of the Marine Police and Nigerian Army personnel from the 23rd Armoured Brigade, Yola, who used vehicles and boats to rescue many stranded victims in different locations.
During a visit to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, where several injured victims are receiving treatment, the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, expressed shock at the scale of destruction.
Prof. Farauta directed the immediate provision of temporary shelters, food, clothing, and medical supplies to the affected individuals, assuring that the state government is committed to alleviating their suffering.
“We woke up to a terrible flood that has claimed two lives and left many injured. The government is deeply saddened by these losses and is mobilizing all necessary support to assist the victims,” she said.
Dr. Yusuf Nuhu of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit confirmed that two people had died, while those hospitalized are responding to treatment.
The Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ladan Ayuba, disclosed that reluctance by some residents to evacuate their homes due to fear of looting remains a major challenge for rescue operations.
Another victim, Aliyu Mustapha, narrated how he lost his livelihood to the flood and reported that several children are still missing after the floodwaters swept through his neighborhood.
