Floods Claim Three Lives, Displace Over 1,400 Households in Adamawa State Within the Week

By Emmanuel Kwada

‎At least three people have been confirmed dead, and more than 1,400 households have been displaced following severe flash floods that swept through Yola North and Yola South local government areas of Adamawa State on Tuesday. The disaster, which also injured over 40 people, submerged farmlands, homes, and critical infrastructure, leaving a trail of destruction across 13 communities.

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‎The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) disclosed these details in a statement released on Thursday, following a joint rapid assessment conducted by its Yola operations office, the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), and other stakeholders.

The flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall, has exacerbated fears of food insecurity in the region, with vast swathes of farmland washed away, threatening harvests and livelihoods.

‎Our crops are gone, everything washed away. We don’t know how we will survive without assistance

‎“Displaced families are currently being sheltered within host communities, while some have been relocated to the flood resettlement camp in Girei,” NEMA stated. The agency highlighted urgent humanitarian needs, including food, shelter, medical support, and clean water, to address the immediate plight of survivors.

‎Local residents expressed despair over the scale of the destruction. “Our crops are gone, everything washed away. We don’t know how we will survive without assistance,” lamented a farmer in Yola, whose farmland was completely submerged. The loss of agricultural resources has heightened concerns about food scarcity, particularly as Adamawa remains a key agricultural hub in Nigeria’s Northeast.

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‎NEMA has issued a stern warning to residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and adhere to early warning advisories as the rainy season reaches its peak. “More disasters could occur if precautions are ignored,” the agency cautioned, urging communities to prioritize safety measures.

‎In response to the crisis, NEMA pledged to collaborate with ADSEMA, local emergency committees, and humanitarian partners to deliver urgent relief and mitigate the disaster’s impact. Efforts are underway to provide essential supplies and support to affected households, with a focus on restoring stability to the devastated communities.

‎More disasters could occur if precautions are ignored

‎The floods in Adamawa are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events across Nigeria this year, underscoring the growing challenges of climate-related disasters. Authorities are calling for increased investment in flood mitigation infrastructure and proactive measures to protect vulnerable regions.