Communities around Shuwa, a town in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, have been struck by torrential rainfall, resulting in a flood that has claimed six lives.
Reports gathered on Saturday indicate that the communities in the Madagali area had been experiencing heavy rainfall for four days, causing residents to fear what might happen next.
The flood has displaced 10,264 people, who are now registered as refugees in various camps located on safer grounds around the area. Witnesses described the disaster as unprecedented in the region, with significant devastation in communities including Kirkinga, the hometown of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, as well as Mildu, Duhu, Maiwandu, Maradi, Mayo Wandu, Shuware, Pambla 2, and Palam.
The heaviest rainfall was said to have occurred in the nearby Madara mountain, accompanied by more rain in other communities down the mountain, which led to the flood.
The flood destroyed 251 houses, food supplies, and other domestic valuables, and washed away farmlands. Notably, the Shuwa main bridge, a key route for commuters traveling to neighboring Borno State, was destroyed.
The village head of Shuwa/Kirchinga, Mustafa Sanusi, described the incident as unfortunate and called for government intervention.
The Chairman of Madagali LGA, Simon Musa, emphasized that the affected communities had never experienced such severe flooding before, and confirmed that thousands of displaced individuals are now seeking refuge in eight temporary camps, most of which are located on school premises. He appealed to the federal and state governments, as well as humanitarian organizations, to provide assistance to those affected.