NEMA Rushes To Rescue As Deadly Floods Sweep Through Adamawa

According to Ireporter Online, the Yola Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has spearheaded search, rescue, and evacuation operations after severe flash floods swept through 13 communities in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State on Tuesday.

The torrential rainfall, which began around 4 a.m. and lasted until midday, submerged worship centres, homes, and business premises, displacing thousands of households in areas such as Damilu, Jambutu, Bachure, Runde, and Shinko. Many families were forced to take refuge along major roads as rising waters inundated their communities.

This latest disaster comes less than two months after a similar flooding incident claimed over 30 lives in the state. Just days earlier, the Federal Government had warned that 32 locations across 11 states, including Adamawa, were at high risk of flooding between September 14 and 18, 2025.

Dr. Celine Laori, Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), described the situation as devastating but confirmed that no deaths had been reported so far. She noted that her office, in collaboration with the police, fire service, and other security agencies, was actively conducting rescue operations in the affected areas.

The Adamawa State Police Command also confirmed its involvement, with spokesperson SP Suleiman Nguroje announcing the deployment of the marine unit to support rescue efforts. He said Commissioner of Police CP Dankombo Morris had personally visited several submerged communities, including Limiwa, Rumde, Shinko, and Jambutu, to assess the damage and coordinate assistance. Residents were urged to stay calm, avoid flooded areas, and prioritize the safety of their families and belongings.

On its official X handle, NEMA stated that its rapid-response teams, working jointly with ADSEMA, the fire services, local volunteers, and security agencies, had evacuated vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities from high-risk zones to temporary shelters. The agency added that rapid on-site assessments were conducted to evaluate the extent of the flooding, damage to infrastructure, and immediate humanitarian needs. NEMA emphasized that the operation was closely coordinated with state authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure timely relief delivery and avoid duplication of efforts.