Flash floods unleashed by heavy seasonal rains have devastated Nigeria’s Adamawa state, killing at least 23 people, the UN said Tuesday.
Several neighbourhoods in Yola, the state capital, were submerged on Sunday, leaving thousands homeless and dozens injured, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA reported. Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors, while shelters have been opened to house the displaced residents amid ongoing relief efforts.
Authorities warn of more rainfall and urge residents in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground to avoid further tragedy, the agency added. Nigeria’s rainy season, spanning June to November, often triggers floods worsened by poor infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems nationwide.
Since May, floods have claimed over 200 lives, mostly in Niger state, located in Nigeria’s north-central region, intensifying this year’s crisis. In 2024, floods killed over 300 people and displaced more than a million across 34 of Nigeria’s 36 states, marking one of the worst seasons in decades.
Meteorologists predict continuing flood risks across most Nigerian states as the rainy season progresses, heightening fears among vulnerable communities. Experts link the increasing intensity and frequency of floods to climate change, which is altering weather patterns and amplifying natural disasters.
The relentless rains and swelling waters expose Nigeria’s urgent need for improved infrastructure and climate resilience to protect its millions. As the waters rise, the nation faces a daunting battle against nature’s fury, demanding swift action to safeguard lives and livelihoods.