Many Feared Dead as Severe Flood Hits Adamawa State
- Severe flooding hits Yola South Local Government Area, destroying homes and claiming lives after heavy rainfall
- Communities affected include Sabon Pegi, Lakare, Shagari Phase 2, Yoldepate, Modire, and Almashikur Axis, as residents explained the circumstances behind the flooding
- Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta, visits affected areas, assures victims of government support, and blames climate change for the disaster
Yola South, Adamawa State - Several lives, properties, and homes were reportedly destroyed as a severe flood hit Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State after heavy rainfall that started at 1 am and lasted until 11 am on Sunday, 27th July.
Source: Getty Images
Legit.ng gathered that the unfortunate incident led many individuals to seek refuge, while some stood to rise above the water level, and others sat on fences.
The plight of parents protecting their babies from the floodwaters was evident, with water levels reaching neck-deep and rooftops in certain locations, and many people were missing. Valuables were relocated to rooftops and trees for safekeeping.
The communities affected include Sabon Pegi, Lakare, Shagari Phase 2, Yoldepate, Modire and Almashikur Axis of the Yola South local government area.
Residents recount losses
Speaking to a Legit.ng correspondent, victims in the flooded areas recounted their ordeal, how they managed to escape, and how they watched their properties being destroyed.
Mr. Emmanuel Andrawus Jalo, a resident of Shagari Sabon Pegi, narrates how the flood forced them out of their homes in the middle of the night.
"We woke up around 3:30 am and discovered our house was flooded.
"We didn't find it easy coming out of the room because we have little children, and our properties had been flooded, the whole house had fallen, all the rooms were destroyed because the water reached the window level.
"It's a situation I cannot describe." Jalo explained.
Jalo lamented how the drainage system in the community was blocked by residents who built houses over it.
"There are no drainages within the area that can allow the passage of water, because people have built houses on the exact spot where drainages are supposed to be, as this has also made the situation worse", he stated.
Jalo pleaded that the government should come to the aid of the people by restoring the original landscaping for road access and water passages.
Another resident, Sarah Haruna, recounts the lives lost, speaking to Legit.ng.
"I'm in so much pain because of this unfortunate situation that has befallen our community.
"We have lost more than 5 lives today, and many families are mourning. I plead with the government to intervene," Sarah explained.
Mr Charles Framinchi, the youth leader of the Sabon Pegi area, also blamed the flooding on the poor drainage system in the community.
"Since 2 am, we have been moving from one place to another looking for refuge. I have lost 3 youths as a result of this flood.
"There is a damaged drainage system that needs to be completed because the drainage is located between two communities that are affected, so if the drainage is fixed, it will enable the water to flow without affecting homes". He noted.
Israel Zacheus, a community member in Sabon Pegi, explained that the flooding was the first of its kind, as the community had never experienced such an event before.
"It has been raining for decades in Sabon Pegi, but such an incident has never occurred till today.
"I am so sad because a lot of lives and properties have been lost, and we need urgent action from the government." Zacheus narrated
"Speaking to the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Zacheus appealed to her to run concurrent investigations on the source of the flood and the volume of water. He tasked the government should critically work on the incident by gathering the landmarks of the affected areas to know the main source of the flood aside from the rain.
Adamawa Deputy Governor consoles residents
"The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, was at the scene of the incident to witness and console the affected victims.
Responding to the plight of the victims, Kaletapwa expressed her sadness to the affected people.
She said, "The government will work to ensure the affected victims find refuge and support from the government".
"Climate change is another cause of such incidents, and also, most houses within the Shagari Sabon Pegi area are built on water passages, and water will not have any space to pass through, and it therefore reverses back and affects homes", she added.
"The government is very cautious and concerned about the lives of the public, and we will ensure the safety of everyone." Kaletapwa expressed
The Adamawa State Police Command, in collaboration with personnel from the 23 Brigade, has deployed trained marine police and motorboats to assist the victims in the affected areas.
The police have so far discovered 15 fatalities and 55 injured individuals, who are currently receiving treatment at the Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital in Yola.
Source: Getty Images
Flood wreaks havoc in Niger State
Legit.ng previously reported that due to relentless rainfall and the overflow of dams, Niger State has faced devastating floods, resulting in significant losses.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has provided a detailed account of the impact, revealing the extent of the damage and the ongoing efforts to mitigate the disaster.
The Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, emphasised the collaborative efforts between NSEMA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Minna Operations Office.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Obidah Fwa (Adamawa State Correspondent) Adamawa's regional correspondent, Obidah Acheli Fwa, is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the industry. She graduated from the University of Maiduguri (2022) and has earned numerous international certifications, including leadership training from Harvard Business School. Contact her at obidahfwa@gmail.com or 09033673803.
Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan (Editorial Assistant) Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan is a Legit.ng journalist with over a year of experience writing for Punch Newspaper. He received his BSc in Criminology and Security Studies from FUOYE. His background in media communications and criminology, with practical experience in research, interviewing, and digital media, allows him to craft compelling narratives that drive positive change. Fadehan is an Editorial Assistant on Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng. He is committed to ethical journalism, leveraging his skills to create a meaningful impact. Reach him at abdul-hafeez.fadehan@corp.legit.ng or 070622666732.
