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See how many lives Flood Claims As Devastation Strikes Adamawa After Torrential Rain

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 27th, 2024.

See how many lives Flood Claims As Devastation Strikes Adamawa After Torrential Rain

Residents of Adamawa State were caught off guard as a recent heavy rainstorm turned their long-awaited blessing into a tragedy. The intense downpour, which followed prayers from both Christian and Muslim communities for rain, resulted in significant loss and destruction.

For 56 days, Adamawa’s farmers had endured severe drought, prompting mass prayers and fasting across faiths. Their prayers were answered last week with relentless rain, but the outcome was far from the relief they had hoped for. The rain caused extensive damage, claiming at least 11 lives.

According to Arewa PUNCH, the chairman of Madagali Local Government Area, Mr. Simon Musa Shashe, reported that the devastating rains began around 1 a.m. and persisted for nine hours. By the end of the storm, over a dozen bodies were found floating in the floodwaters that overwhelmed drainage systems, roads, and streets.

Shashe explained that the deluge, which originated from Mandara Mountain, caused the destruction of the Shuwa bridge, severing Madagali’s connections with other areas. Initially, six bodies were recovered, with five more discovered later, though their origins remained unclear.

The flooding has isolated Madagali from neighboring regions and the state capital, Yola, as key bridges have been washed away or collapsed. Shashe has urged security agencies to enhance measures to protect the area from potential insurgent attacks, as escape routes have been cut off.

In response, the governor dispatched five trucks of relief supplies, including food and essential materials, to aid the flood victims. During a visit to the affected areas, including Kirchinga, Shuwa, Mildu, Mayo-wandu, Shuware, Pambla, Jihili, and Palam, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, through his deputy Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, advised residents to relocate to higher ground due to ongoing heavy rains.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that over 10,000 people have been displaced and ten others injured. Mr. Ayuba Ladan, Head of Operations for NEMA’s Yola office, announced that eight Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have been set up in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross to support the survivors.