Flooding has claimed seven more lives in the Madagali Council area of Adamawa State, bringing the death toll to thirteen.
The relentless heavy downpours continue to devastate homes, leading to further displacement.
Nonstop rains for over three days have wreaked havoc in Madagali, washing away Homes near the riverbank, and those still standing are barely holding on, reduced to fragile skeletons of what they once were.
Giving a breakdown of those affected, Mohammed Suleiman, an official of the Adamàwa State Emergency Management Agency revealed that they have eight camps right now, though the number is increasing and might likely open another one if the rains persist.
While some families grieve the loss of loved ones, others are already facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.
Aisha Adamu, 63, lives in Shuwa, far from the riverbanks, but the powerful floodwaters still reached her home, leaving her homeless. Now, she gathers whatever belongings she can find, hoping and praying for a kind soul to help her rebuild, no matter how modest the assistance may be.
” I don’t have anyone to assist; you can see what is left; even my children are not doing well; how can they assist me? I will keep waiting for a good Samaritan to come and assist me. However, in everything, we return praise and thanks to Allah”
Aisha’s plight echoes the experience of many flood victims in this community, who, amid Nigeria’s economic struggles, are pleading for help. They describe the flood’s destruction as wiping out their lifetime investments, leaving them devastated and in urgent need of assistance.
Simon Musa Sashi, Chairman of Madagali Local Government, Adamàwa State, recounted how devastating the flood has affected his people, noting that both the state and federal aid will help cushion the effect of the flood.
The chairman commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his prompt response when the flood started its devastation.
” Immediately this happened on the 21st of August 2024, the Deputy Governor, professor Kaletapwa Farauta, visited and brought relief materials, which has helped the victims greatly. The next day, our amiable Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri also came and identified with his people”
Mustapha Mohammed Sanusi, District Head of Duhu said the community is in an emergency now that the death toll is increasing.
” Our pitiable situation calls for attention should not be left to the government alone, but NGOs and individuals can step in to assist the victim. These people need food urgently”
Across Adamawa North, communities are picking up the pieces of their lives as they try to recover from the devastating impact of the floods.