No fewer than five persons are feared dead and many others missing following a devastating flood that submerged several communities in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, after a torrential downpour that lasted through the night into Friday morning.
The affected areas include Shagari Low-Cost Housing Estate, Shagari Phase II, Sabo Pegi, and adjoining streets in Yola town. Other flood-hit communities are Lakare, Yode-Pate, Modire, and Almshikur, where residents have called on the state government for urgent intervention.
The flooding, triggered by several hours of heavy rain, destroyed homes, swept away properties, and displaced numerous families. As of the time of this report, many residents were seen trying to salvage their belongings from the wreckage.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least five people may have died, with several others—particularly children—still missing. Panic-stricken parents were seen carrying their children to safety amid rising water levels.
Mallam Danbaba Suleiman, a resident of Shagari Low-Cost Housing Estate, one of the worst-hit areas, pleaded for immediate help from authorities.
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“I have lost most of my things, including important documents. We don’t know where to go now,” he lamented. “In my over 20 years here, I have never seen this kind of flood—not even the roads were this bad. Our children and families are out in the cold. We appeal to the government to please come to our aid.”
The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ASEMA) has begun efforts to rescue affected residents and provide temporary shelter. Executive Secretary of ASEMA, Dr. Celina Loari Kwamoti, reiterated warnings to residents in flood-prone areas, urging them to relocate to safer ground immediately.
She said the agency is working round the clock to ensure the safety and welfare of those displaced by the flood.
Adamawa State is among the states identified by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as high-risk for seasonal flooding. NEMA has consistently advised residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations as the rains intensify.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties and missing persons, but rescue and relief efforts are ongoing.
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