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

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

CR-SEMA confirmed the casualties during a rapid assessment of the affected community on Saturday.

The assessment team was led by CR-SEMA director-general, Efa Nyong, alongside officials from the disaster management unit of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

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

He described the deaths, especially those of four children, as heartbreaking and assured affected families of government 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,” Mr Nyong said.

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

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

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 terrain to determine long-term safety and appropriate mitigation measures.

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

An affected resident, Bassey Patrick, commended the assessment team for responding promptly despite the difficult circumstances facing the devastated community.

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

(NAN)