Floods kill at least 25 people in northeastern Nigeria
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"A man braves the floodwaters as vehicles struggle through submerged streets in northeastern Nigeria."
Floods Devastate Northeastern Nigeria, Leaving 25 Dead and Thousands Displaced
Omega TV UK– Severe flooding has hit northeastern Nigeria, killing at least 25 people and leaving more than 5,000 residents displaced. The floods struck Adamawa State on Sunday following intense rainfall that overwhelmed communities near Yola, Nigeria’s capital city in the northeast.
Villages Washed Away
Five communities bore the brunt of the flash floods, with water sweeping away homes, roads, and farmland. Locals reported that families were caught off guard as water levels surged overnight, forcing many to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Missing Persons and Displacement
Authorities have confirmed that 11 individuals are still missing following the disaster. Emergency officials have set up temporary shelters for the 5,560 people who lost their homes, while distributing essential supplies including food, clean water, blankets, and basic medical aid.
Government Responds to the Crisis
The Adamawa State government, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, has launched relief operations to support displaced families. Officials say the top priority is restoring access to safe drinking water, preventing disease outbreaks, and coordinating ongoing rescue efforts.
Annual Flooding Crisis in Nigeria
Flooding has become a recurring nightmare during Nigeria’s rainy season. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of floods to climate change, which has caused unpredictable weather patterns across the region.
Climate Change Intensifies Rainfall
Meteorologists explain that years of drought have dried up the soil, making it unable to absorb sudden heavy rainfall. This has led to more violent floods, even during brief wet periods. As climate patterns shift, many northern Nigerian communities remain unprepared and unprotected.
Past Flood Disasters Still Fresh
This disaster follows a deadly flood event in May, when torrential rain struck Mokwa in Niger State and killed over 200 people. Last year alone, floods affected more than four million people across West Africa a number that tripled compared to the previous year, according to the United Nations.
Urgent Calls for Preparedness
In light of the growing threats, aid agencies and environmental experts are urging Nigeria to invest in better drainage systems, flood barriers, and early warning systems. Without major improvements, millions more could be at risk as extreme weather events worsen.
Humanitarian Support Needed
The Nigerian Red Cross and other NGOs have appealed for urgent funding and resources to scale up their response. Their teams are delivering emergency care to survivors and conducting risk assessments in nearby flood-prone areas.
Long-Term Solutions Essential
Experts stress that humanitarian relief is only a short-term fix. To protect future generations, Nigeria must adopt long-term policies that tackle environmental degradation, improve infrastructure, and enforce urban planning in vulnerable zones.
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