According to authorities, flooding in the Yola area of Adamawa state has displaced 5,560 people, with at least 11 others still missing.
Flash floods in Nigeria’s Adamawa state have claimed at least 23 lives and left thousands without homes, according to the UN humanitarian agency (OCHA). Eleven people are still unaccounted for.
The flooding began on Sunday across five communities in the Yola area, displacing 5,560 people so far, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported. Authorities have set up a temporary shelter for those affected at Aliyu Musdafa College in Yola, where essential supplies have been distributed.
NEMA acknowledged the vital role played by both government and non-governmental organizations in managing the crisis effectively.
Dozens were injured as floodwaters submerged several neighborhoods in Yola, the state capital, on Sunday. OCHA has since issued a warning, urging residents in flood-prone zones to seek higher ground due to the likelihood of continued rainfall.
Are floods common in Nigeria?
Yes, flooding is a recurring problem in Nigeria, particularly between June and November, when heavy rainfall is common. Poor infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems often worsen the impact. Since the rainy season began in May this year, over 200 people have died due to flooding—most of them in Niger state, located in north-central Nigeria.
In 2024, Nigeria experienced one of its worst flood seasons in decades, with over 300 lives lost and more than a million people displaced across at least 34 of the country’s 36 states, according to OCHA.
Meteorologists have issued warnings of further flooding as the rainy season continues.
Experts say that climate change is a key factor driving the rise in extreme weather events like these.
