Landslide in Cross River claims lives of five people

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Five persons, including four children, have died after landslides triggered by 48 hours of heavy rainfall devastated Ikot Anwatim Community, Calabar Municipality, Cross River.

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The landslides also destroyed two houses and injured two other residents, according to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA).

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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that CR-SEMA confirmed the casualties during the launch of a rapid assessment of the affected community on Saturday.

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The assessment team was led by CR-SEMA Director-General, Mr Efa Nyong, alongside officials from the Disaster Management Unit of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

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Addressing bereaved families and survivors, Nyong conveyed the Cross River Government’s condolences and sympathised with victims over the tragic incident.

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He described the deaths, especially those of four children, as heartbreaking and assured affected families of government support through humanitarian interventions.

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“This assessment will document the disaster’s impact to guide government decisions on emergency assistance and long-term disaster risk reduction,” Nyong said.

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He urged residents of landslide and erosion-prone communities to promptly report land cracks, remain vigilant and obey evacuation directives whenever necessary.

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Nyong stressed that climate-related disasters were becoming more frequent, requiring sustained public awareness and stronger collaboration between government and communities.

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He said the rapid assessment demonstrated CR-SEMA’s commitment to proactive disaster response, coordinated emergency management and protecting lives and property across Cross River.

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The assessment team recommended immediate humanitarian assistance for affected families and sustained medical care for injured victims.

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It also called for a comprehensive geotechnical assessment of the affected terrain to determine long-term safety and appropriate mitigation measures.

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The team further advocated intensified public sensitisation on landslide risks and possible relocation of residents living in high-risk areas as heavy rainfall persisted.

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An affected resident, Mr Bassey Patrick, commended the assessment team for responding promptly in spite of the difficult circumstances confronting the devastated community.

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Patrick appealed for urgent emergency assistance, saying bereaved and displaced families had lost loved ones and now faced enormous challenges rebuilding their lives.

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