Floods Devastate Northeastern Nigeria, Leaving Several Dead and Many Missing

Severe flooding in Yola, Adamawa State, killed at least eight people, left many missing, and destroyed homes after heavy overnight rainfall. Residents fled to higher ground, while emergency agencies began rescue efforts.

A devastating flood swept through northeastern Nigeria on Sunday, claiming multiple lives and leaving many others missing. The disaster struck the Shagari, Yolde Pate, and Sabon Pegi communities in Yola city, located in Adamawa State. According to residents who spoke with Anadolu news agency, at least eight people have been confirmed dead as a result of the flooding.

The flood was triggered by an intense downpour that lasted for about two hours overnight. The heavy rainfall caused significant destruction—collapsing walls, destroying buildings, and inundating homes. The force and volume of the water caught many residents off guard, forcing them to flee for their lives as their homes filled with water.

Survivors described scenes of panic and desperation, with people trying to save children and carry whatever possessions they could to higher ground. Many locals were seen making their way to the highlands for safety, carrying household items on their heads or in their arms. Entire families were displaced overnight, and those who remained behind struggled with the immediate aftermath—flooded compounds, destroyed property, and the grim search for missing loved ones.

Banyawa Andrew, a local resident, told Anadolu that the situation was dire. “The heavy rain destroyed many homes. We've recovered eight bodies, but many more remain missing. The people who died were trapped in their homes while waiting for the water levels to recede,” he said. His account underscores the suddenness and severity of the disaster, as many of the victims were unable to escape in time.

The flood did not only claim human lives. Livestock losses were also reported, further compounding the economic toll on residents who rely heavily on animals for their livelihoods. The scale of destruction has overwhelmed the affected communities, leaving behind a trail of devastation and uncertainty.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun responding to the crisis. Its spokesperson, Ibrahim Husseini, told Anadolu that efforts were underway to assist those impacted by the disaster. “We are doing everything possible to rescue those affected and provide them with the necessary assistance,” he said. Despite this assurance, Husseini did not provide specific figures regarding the number of casualties or those still missing.

As of now, the Adamawa State government has not issued any public statement on the flood or its consequences. No official figures have been released concerning the deaths, missing persons, or the extent of the damage inflicted on various communities across the state.

This tragic incident comes months after NEMA issued a warning that Adamawa and several other states were at high risk of experiencing floods in 2025. The agency had also conducted a sensitization exercise in May to educate communities on flood preparedness and to encourage coordinated efforts to address the increasing impacts of climate change. The recent flooding appears to be a grim validation of those earlier warnings, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies across vulnerable regions.