Many lives have been lost with property millions of naira destroyed in a devastating flood that affected parts of Shagari, Sabon Pegi, Tashan Sani surroundings, Anguwan Tabo, and the Ibnu Abbas area all in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa.
The incident followed a torrential downpour which lasted for several hours.
The heavy down pour overwhelmed local drainage systems, leading to massive flooding, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes in panic.
Personnel of the Nigerian Army used heavy-duty trucks to evacuate stranded residents, including women, children, and the elderly to safer grounds.
Temporary shelters have been set up pending further directives from emergency authorities.
Most of the victims reportedly drowned or were swept away by strong flood currents.
Search and rescue operations by emergency teams was still on-going for missing persons.
Fatalities confirmed
Head of Operations, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Ladan Ayuba, confirmed the fatalities and described the situation as critical.
Ayuba explained that relief items – food, bedding, and medical aid, were being rushed to displacement camps set up for affected residents.
The Head of Hydrology and Climate Change, Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Mr. Sadiq Mohammed, attributed the disaster to excessive surface runoff, poor drainage maintenance, and uncontrolled urban development.
He warned that unless local infrastructure is upgraded, more devastating floods may occur in the future.
Residents of affected areas are in deep distress as one of them, Malam Ibrahim Abdullahi said he lost two neighbors.
He is now sheltering with his family in a school compound.
Another resident, Mohammad Nasir, described the night as terrifying and appealed for urgent government intervention.
Officials of the Red Cross, Federal Road Safety Corps, and other security agencies are also on the ground, rendering emergency services and assisting in rescue and relief efforts.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone zones to relocate immediately, as more rainfall is forecast in the coming days.
