Floods k!ll 25, displace thousands in Adamawa

No fewer than 25 people have been confirmed dead and 11 others reported missing following severe flash floods that swept through five communities in Adamawa State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced on Tuesday.

The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall that began on Sunday, have displaced an estimated 5,560 residents in the Yola area.

Authorities have since established a temporary camp at Aliyu Musdafa College in Yola to shelter those affected, with essential relief items already being distributed.

NEMA noted that both governmental and non-governmental agencies are actively involved in providing humanitarian assistance. “The presence of both governmental and non-governmental partners has been significant, contributing to the effective management of the humanitarian situation,” the agency stated.

Flooding is a recurring issue during Nigeria’s rainy season, particularly in the northern regions where climate change has led to extreme weather patterns — long dry spells followed by intense rainfall.

The tragedy follows a similar incident in late May when over 200 people died in Niger State’s Mokwa village due to torrential rains.

According to the United Nations, more than four million people across West Africa were affected by flooding in 2024, marking a threefold increase from the previous year.

Authorities continue rescue operations and are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert.