Flood: Six feared dead, over 10,000 displaced in Adamawa

At least six people are feared dead following a heavy downpour that lasted ten hours in parts of Madagali, Adamawa State.

The torrential rain caused severe flooding, resulting in the deaths of six people and displacing over 10,000 residents across 11 communities in the Madagali Local Government Area.

The flood also affected more than 1,600 households, who are now sheltering in eight camps set up by the state government. Houses, shops, boreholes, and many valuables were completely destroyed.

Additionally, about 1,000 hectares of farmland were submerged by the floodwaters.

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The downpour, reportedly originating from the Mandara Mountains in the Madagali area, destroyed homes and food supplies.

The flood also washed away the bridges connecting Borno and Adamawa states due to the intense water pressure.

Ayuba Ladan, Head of Operations at the Yola office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities.

He added that more than 10 people sustained injuries as a result of the flooding.

The communities most affected by the disaster include Kirchinga, Duhu, Maiwandu, Jahili, Kokohu, Lumadu, Zhau, Palam, Kwambula, Shuware, and Shuwa.

In response to the disaster, the Madagali Local Government Council, in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross, has established eight IDP camps to provide shelter for the victims.

Reacting to the situation, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, called on the Federal Government to support efforts to mitigate the suffering of the flood victims in Madagali.

During her visit to Madagali on Saturday, Farauta expressed shock at the extensive destruction of homes and farmlands.

“The colossal damage is too much as 11 communities was affected by the flood”. I’m appealing to the federal government and humanitarian donors to come to the aid of the  victims”, She said.

The Deputy Governor also urged the families of those who lost their loved ones to find solace in God.

She noted that the state government, through the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), has already approved the distribution of relief materials to the victims.

Farauta assured that the government would continue to address the needs of the victims to provide further assistance.

Earlier, the District Head of Duhu, Mustafa Mohammad, and the Council Chairman, Mr. Simon Musa Shashi, also appealed to the federal and state governments for urgent assistance, citing concerns about the potential outbreak of disease.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE