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Four children and an adult have died after landslides triggered by 48 hours of heavy rainfall devastated Ikot Anwatim Community in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State.
The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) confirmed the casualties on Sunday.
CR-SEMA Director-General, Efa Nyong, alongside officials of the Disaster Management Unit of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, sympathised with victims and their families over the tragedy.
Nyong described the deaths as heartbreaking and assured affected families of the government’s support through humanitarian interventions.
“This assessment will document the disaster’s impact to guide government decisions on emergency assistance and long-term disaster risk reduction,” Nyong said.
He urged residents of landslide- and erosion-prone communities to promptly report signs of land cracks, remain vigilant, and comply with evacuation directives whenever necessary.
Nyong stressed that climate-related disasters were becoming more frequent, underscoring the need for sustained public awareness and stronger collaboration between government and communities.
He said the rapid assessment demonstrated CR-SEMA’s commitment to proactive disaster response, coordinated emergency management, and the protection of lives and property across Cross River State.
The assessment team recommended immediate humanitarian assistance for affected families and sustained medical care for injured victims.
It also called for a comprehensive geotechnical assessment of the affected area to determine its long-term safety and identify appropriate mitigation measures.
The team further recommended intensified public sensitisation on landslide risks and the possible relocation of residents living in high-risk areas as heavy rainfall persists.
An affected resident, Bassey Patrick, commended the assessment team for its prompt response despite the difficult circumstances confronting the community.
Patrick appealed for urgent assistance, saying bereaved and displaced families have lost loved ones and now face enormous challenges rebuilding their lives.
