Heavy rainfall triggers deadly landslides in Cross River, five confirmed dead

Heavy rainfall triggers deadly landslides in Cross River, five confirmed dead

At least five people, including four children, have been confirmed dead after devastating landslides triggered by 48 hours of torrential rainfall struck the Ikot Anwatim community in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, destroying homes, injuring residents and displacing several families.

The tragic incident, which has thrown the community into mourning, also left two other residents injured and destroyed two residential buildings, according to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA).

The agency confirmed the casualties during a rapid assessment of the affected area conducted on Saturday by its Director-General, Efa Nyong, alongside officials of the disaster management unit of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

Speaking during the assessment, Nyong conveyed the condolences of the Cross River State Government to the bereaved families and described the deaths—particularly those of the four children—as heartbreaking.

He assured victims that the state government would provide humanitarian support while working with relevant agencies to assist affected families and reduce the impact of future disasters.

“This assessment will document the disaster’s impact to guide government decisions on emergency assistance and long-term disaster risk reduction,” Nyong said.

He urged residents living in communities vulnerable to landslides and erosion to promptly report visible land cracks, monitor changes in the terrain and comply with evacuation directives whenever issued by emergency authorities.

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According to him, climate-related disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, making it necessary for governments, communities and humanitarian organisations to strengthen disaster preparedness, early warning systems and public awareness.

Nyong noted that the rapid assessment reflected CR-SEMA’s commitment to proactive disaster response, coordinated emergency management and the protection of lives and property across the state.

The assessment team recommended the immediate provision of relief materials, temporary shelter and humanitarian assistance for affected families, as well as continued medical care for the injured survivors.

It also called for a comprehensive geotechnical assessment of the affected area to determine the stability of the terrain and recommend long-term engineering solutions to prevent similar disasters.

In addition, the team advocated intensified public sensitisation on the dangers of landslides, improved environmental management and the possible relocation of residents living in high-risk areas as the rainy season continues.

An affected resident, Bassey Patrick, commended the emergency response team for arriving promptly despite the difficult conditions.

He appealed for urgent government intervention, saying many families had not only lost loved ones but also their homes and means of livelihood.

“We have lost our children, our neighbours and our homes. We need urgent assistance because many families have nowhere to stay,” he said.

The tragedy comes as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has repeatedly warned of above-normal rainfall and increased risks of flooding, landslides and erosion in several parts of the country during the 2026 rainy season. Emergency management experts have urged residents in vulnerable communities to remain alert and heed official weather advisories to minimise casualties.

Environmental experts say uncontrolled development on fragile hillsides, poor drainage systems, deforestation and the effects of climate change have increased the frequency of landslides in parts of southern Nigeria. They have called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, improved urban planning and sustained investment in erosion-control infrastructure.

The latest disaster adds to a growing list of weather-related emergencies recorded across Nigeria this year, underscoring the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness, climate resilience and coordinated emergency response at all levels of government.

Heavy rainfall triggers deadly landslides in Cross River, five confirmed dead