Flash floods kill 23, displace over 5,500 in Northeastern Nigeria
At least 23 people have died and more than 5,500 residents have been displaced after devastating flash floods swept through five communities in Nigeria’s northeastern Adamawa State.
Residents described the disaster as the worst in recent memory, with entire households losing their homes and belongings as floodwaters rose rapidly. “I’ve lived in this community for thirty years, and this flood is the worst, even worse than last year’s,” said Siyama Adamu, a local resident, adding that “We've lost all our belongings, including livestock, clothes, foodstuffs, and cooking utensils. Feeding has become very difficult for us. We need support, please. The government should intervene.”
Footage from Thursday shows families wading through muddy water and salvaging what little they could. Children, the elderly, and livestock were seen being carried to safety, Viory reports.
Another resident, Maimuna Mohammed, recounted the terrifying moment the waters surged. “The flood caught us unaware. My children and an elderly woman were rescued from the water. Our belongings were swallowed, and what remained is now completely damaged.”
Abdullaziz Mohammed said his house partially collapsed under the weight of the water. “There was no road for people to get out. The water blocked everywhere. We’ve never seen damage like this, even thinking back to last year’s flood,” he said.
Local officials have yet to issue a full damage assessment.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
