Flood Ravages Adamawa Communities: Children Missing, Hundreds of Homes Destroyed

Torrential rainfall lasting over six hours on Sunday has wreaked havoc across several communities in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State, leaving multiple residents, particularly children missing, and more than 600 homes submerged or destroyed.

Emergency response teams, including the Adamawa State Police Command and the 23rd Armoured Brigade, Yola, have been deployed to support rescue and relief efforts in affected areas including Shagari Low Cost, Sabon Pegi, Modire, and Yolde Pate.

Swift Response from Authorities

In a statement released Sunday, police spokesperson Suleiman Nguroje confirmed that trained marine police personnel have been dispatched to aid residents stranded by floodwaters.

“Following the downpour that hit residents… the Commissioner of Police, Morris Dankwambo, directed men of the marine department to relocate to the affected areas for rescue operations,” Nguroje said.

 Victims Recount Night of Terror

Survivors described the harrowing scenes as water swept through entire neighborhoods without warning. Abubakar Adamu, a resident of Sabon Pegi, fought back tears as he described the unfolding tragedy.

“Many lives were lost, especially children,” he said. “We’re still trying to confirm the exact number of casualties in this ugly disaster.”

While the death toll remains unconfirmed, several unverified reports indicate that children may make up the majority of the missing.

Another resident, John Audu, recalled waking up to find his sitting room and children’s bedroom already flooded.

“The water came so fast, we couldn’t take anything. We just ran for our lives,” he told reporters.

Just last week, Celine Laori, Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), had issued a flood warning advising residents in lowland communities to relocate to safer ground. Sunday’s disaster appears to have struck before many could heed the advice.

Calls for Immediate Intervention

Residents are now pleading for urgent assistance from ADSEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and state authorities to deliver emergency aid including food, medical supplies, clothing, and temporary shelter.

The full extent of the damage and casualties remains under assessment as rescue and recovery operations continue into the night.