Five people, four of them children, have died in a landslide in Cross River State, southern Nigeria. The incident struck Ikot Anwatim community in Calabar Municipality after two days of heavy rainfall, destroying homes and leaving others injured.
The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) confirmed the deaths during a rapid assessment on Saturday. Officials are now working to support the affected families and assess the full damage.
Landslide response underway in vulnerable community
The landslides destroyed two houses and injured two residents. CR-SEMA Director-General Efa Nyong led the assessment team, joined by staff from the Nigerian Red Cross Society’s Disaster Management Unit.
Nyong expressed condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the state government. He described the loss of the four children as particularly heartbreaking and promised humanitarian help.
“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 advised people living in areas at risk of landslides or erosion to watch for cracks in the ground, stay alert, and follow any evacuation orders from authorities. No automatic relocation scheme exists, but officials are considering longer-term moves for those in the highest-risk zones.
Landslides happen when heavy rain or other factors loosen soil and rock on slopes, causing it to slide downhill. In places like Cross River, with hilly terrain and seasonal heavy rains, these events can be deadly without warning systems or proper planning.
Climate-related disasters appear to be happening more often in the region. Experts link this to changing weather patterns, which bring stronger and longer rainstorms.
The assessment team has recommended immediate aid for the families who lost loved ones or their homes. They also called for ongoing medical care for the injured and a detailed study of the ground conditions to prevent future tragedies.
Public education on landslide warning signs is another priority. Residents are encouraged to report any signs of danger quickly.
One local resident, Bassey Patrick, thanked the team for their quick response. He appealed for fast help, noting that families had lost relatives and now faced huge difficulties in rebuilding.
Why this matters for Nigeria’s disaster preparedness
Nigeria faces many natural and man-made hazards, from flooding in the south to desertification in the north. Cross River’s location in a rainy, forested part of the country makes it prone to erosion and landslides during the wet season.
State agencies like CR-SEMA coordinate emergency responses, working with national bodies and international partners such as the Red Cross. Their job includes both immediate relief and planning to reduce risks over time.
This latest incident highlights the need for better infrastructure and community awareness in vulnerable areas. Simple steps, such as avoiding building on steep slopes or clearing drains, can sometimes help.
The state government has pledged support, but full recovery will take time. Families in Ikot Anwatim are dealing with grief alongside practical problems like finding shelter and replacing lost belongings.
Communities across Nigeria should take warnings about extreme weather seriously. Report hazards to local authorities and prepare emergency plans for your household. Staying informed through official channels can save lives when the next heavy rains arrive.
