Over 275 lives lost as severe floods hit Adamawa, Nigeria

Relentless rainfall has plagued Adamawa State in Northeast Nigeria since October 5, 2023, culminating in devastating floods that have claimed 275 lives as of October 19. The situation worsened with the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in neighboring Cameroon, prompting emergency alerts and responses across various regions.

Heavy rainfall began affecting Adamawa State in Northeast Nigeria on October 5, 2023, with the situation escalating into severe flooding, particularly following the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in neighboring Cameroon on October 7.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) swiftly issued an alert on that day regarding the threat of rapid flooding along the River Niger and River Benue Basin, urging immediate activation of an emergency response plan in several states including Adamawa. The alert proved timely as water levels in Adamawa State began rising significantly, leading to extensive flooding that swept through 14 out of 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The floods resulted in substantial infrastructural damage encompassing roads, shelter facilities, health institutions, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sites, schools, and various other community facilities.

The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) released a report outlining the extent of the displacement crisis that unfolded. Over 8 504 households or 51 043 individuals, have been displaced. The majority of the displaced are women, children, and the elderly, who are currently residing in 11 temporary settlements across five LGAs namely Yola South, Yola North, Lamude, Madagali, and Demsa.

As per the data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as of October 19, the floods have claimed the lives of 275 individuals, affected nearly 30 000 people across 114 locations, and damaged 120 houses. The most severely impacted LGAs include Fufore, Demsa, Shelleng among others, with emergency response focusing on meeting the priority needs in food, shelter, household, and hygiene items.

The floods have exacerbated existing humanitarian needs, exposing individuals, mainly women and children, to undignified living conditions. The lack of adequate shelter has forced many to sleep in open or crowded spaces, thereby increasing protection and health risks.

With the situation still evolving, the focus remains on providing essential services and support to those in dire need, as authorities and humanitarian organizations work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering and mitigate further risks.

References:

¹ North-East Nigeria: Flood Incidents Report – October 2023 – CCCM Cluster/IFRC/IOM – October 13, 2023

² Nigeria Floods – DG ECHO – October 19, 2023

Featured image credit: DMS/CCM Nigeria