Landslide in Cross River Claims Five Lives as Flooding Worsens in Nigeria

Five people, including four children, have died after a landslide caused by heavy rainfall in Cross River State. Emergency agencies are ramping up disaster response as floods and rainstorms affect many communities across Nigeria.

The landslide happened on Saturday at Ikot Anwatim Community in Calabar Municipality. At the same time, flooding hit parts of Calabar South Local Government Area.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that two others, an adult and a child, were hurt. The total number of affected residents is still being determined.

This event is one of the deadliest rain-related disasters in Cross River this rainy season.

Emergency response

On Sunday, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) shared a statement on Facebook. They conducted an immediate assessment with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to understand the disaster's impact and support the affected families.

The team, led by CR-SEMA Director General Efa Nyong, visited the site. They assured victims that help was on the way. In the statement, the agency said: "Five lives lost. Two were hospitalised. One community in mourning."

They added: "This heartbreaking incident is a reminder that disasters can happen without warning. Let’s all stay alert, report signs of erosion or unstable land early, and avoid high-risk areas, especially during this rainy season."

In another update, CR-SEMA stated: "It was a sad event yesterday at Ikot Anwatim with 5 casualties recorded. We have now recorded every necessary data and will do our best to support the affected families."

NEMA’s officials took part in intensive search-and-rescue operations at the landslide site until around 4 p.m. on Sunday. Their official, David Effanga, was on the scene throughout, coordinating with responders until the rescue efforts ended.

Governor visits victims

On Sunday, Cross River Governor Bassey Otu visited the affected communities. He was accompanied by officials from CR-SEMA, NEMA, the Ministry of Works, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

According to CR-SEMA, the governor checked on communities hit by flooding and landslides. These included Elijah Henshaw Street, Webber Street, Atu Street, Ibesikpo Street, and Mayne Avenue.

He also visited the family of a woman who lost her one-year-old child in the flooding. He assured victims that the government would start moving displaced persons from Monday.

NEMA quoted the governor as saying, "Arrangements have been concluded to commence the relocation of victims of the landslide and flooding to designated temporary accommodation centres from Monday, 13 July 2026." He praised emergency responders for their efforts during the rescue operation.

Flooding had already raised concerns

The landslide came just a day after NEMA and CR-SEMA did a joint flood impact assessment in several communities in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South.

The assessment looked at areas like Ibom Close, Atu Street, Elijah Henshaw Street, Gibson by Morey, White House, Nyong Edem Street and Close, William George Street, Hart Street, and Cross River State University of Science and Technology Quarters.

The agencies reported that floodwaters covered homes, businesses, and major roads. They destroyed household items, electrical appliances, food, clothing, and other belongings.

Residents blamed the ongoing flooding on poor drainage systems, blocked drainage channels from refuse disposal, and heavy rainfall. The agencies said their findings would help guide humanitarian efforts for affected communities.

Nationwide emergency

The disaster in Cross River comes as NEMA deals with various weather-related emergencies across the country. This shows the growing scale of climate-related disasters during the rainy season.

In Yobe State, NEMA and the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency have assessed damage from rainstorms and windstorms across five local government areas. They found that 2,635 households, totaling 15,840 people, were affected, and 58 people were injured.

In Taraba State, the agency has given food and relief materials to households hit by a recent windstorm. Similar assessments have been done in Gombe State due to flood and windstorm damage, while relief materials have been sent to affected communities in Rivers State.

These actions highlight a nationwide emergency, with heavy rains, flooding, landslides, and windstorms affecting communities across many states and stretching the capacity of emergency management agencies.