Flood spurs Adamawa governor’s pledge to support victims

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has pledged immediate support for victims of the devastating flood that occurred on August 23, 2024, in the state.

During a visit on August 25 to the affected communities of Shuwa and Kirchinga in Madagali Local Government Area, Governor Fintiri expressed his deep sympathy.

He also assured the residents of swift government action.

The flood, which claimed six lives, caused significant damage, including the destruction of the Shuwa Bridge, a critical link between Adamawa and Borno states.

Numerous houses, shops, and other valuable properties were also destroyed in the disaster.

Governor Fintiri emphasized the importance of proactive measures, urging the Nigeria Meteorological Agency’s desk officer to collaborate closely with the state government.

He stressed the need for timely sensitization of communities likely to experience flooding, aiming to prevent future tragedies.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, alongside the federal government, to address the region’s infrastructure challenges.

He highlighted plans to improve conditions and construct additional bridges on the Madagali/Michika highway, easing the difficulties faced by residents.

In a related development, the Executive Chairman of Madagali LGA, Simon Shashi, reported that relief materials from the state government have been distributed across various IDP camps.

These materials are intended to support the victims.

Head of Operations for the National Emergency Management Agency, Ladan Ayuba,  confirmed the death toll at six, with 14,000 people displaced.

He also listed other affected communities, including Duhu, Mayowandu, Jahili, Kokohu, Lumadu, Zhau, Palam, Kwambula, and Shuware.

Impact of the flood

The recent flood in Adamawa State is part of a broader pattern of severe rainfall that occurred on August 21 and 22, 2024.

The series of weather events have increasingly affected Nigeria in recent years.

Leading up to this disaster, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had predicted a season of intense rainfall.

This was crucial for regions like Adamawa, prone to flooding because of their topography and proximity to major rivers.

Heavy rains overwhelmed local waterways, including rivers that typically rise during the rainy season, worsening the flood.

This event destroyed homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, especially in Shuwa and Kirchinga in Madagali Local Government Area.

These areas have historically faced flooding challenges.

However, the destruction was severe, cutting off critical infrastructure like the Shuwa Bridge between Adamawa and Borno states.

Historical context and response

In terms of historical context, floods in Adamawa and other northern states are not uncommon, often triggered by excessive rainfall during the peak of the rainy season.

This year, the flood was more destructive due to a combination of heavy rainfall and inadequate infrastructure to manage such volumes of water.

The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) had identified Adamawa as a high-risk area.

However, the scale of the damage still took many by surprise, reflecting ongoing challenges in flood management and disaster preparedness.

Efforts to address these challenges have been ongoing, with calls from various stakeholders for more comprehensive flood risk mitigation strategies.

This includes the Minister of State for Water Resources advocating for measures like desilting waterways and improving water storage capabilities.

The recent flood underscores the need for urgent action and long-term planning to protect vulnerable communities from future disasters.