The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has mobilized its Search and Rescue Team to respond to flash floods that wreaked havoc across several communities in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, following hours of torrential rainfall early Sunday morning.
Among the worst-hit areas are Yolde Pate, Shagari, Sabon Pegi, and surrounding neighborhoods, where residents woke up to rapidly rising waters that submerged homes, displaced families, and disrupted daily activities. The flash floods, which followed a night of intense downpour, have exposed long-standing vulnerabilities in the region’s urban drainage systems and settlement patterns.
In immediate response, NEMA activated a coordinated emergency operation involving the Adamawa State Government, Disaster Response Units (DRUs) of the Armed Forces, the State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society. The joint effort is focused on rescuing stranded residents, evacuating vulnerable individuals to safer locations, administering emergency medical attention, and conducting rapid needs assessments.
“All hands are on deck to ensure the safety of lives and protection of critical public infrastructure in the affected communities,” NEMA said in an official statement. “We are committed to working closely with all relevant partners to bring relief to those affected and minimize the human and material impact of the disaster.”
The floods in Yola come as Nigeria enters the peak of the rainy season—a period often marked by high flood risk, especially in low-lying and riverine communities. Meteorological and hydrological agencies had earlier issued seasonal climate predictions warning of potential flood incidents in various parts of the country, including Adamawa State, which lies along the banks of the River Benue.
Although no official casualty figures have been confirmed at the time of this report, preliminary reports indicate that several families have been displaced, with some structures partially damaged. The extent of damage is still being assessed as rescue operations continue across the impacted areas.
The incident has once again spotlighted the urgent need for improved urban planning, proactive flood risk mitigation strategies, and increased investment in early warning systems. Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone zones to heed safety advisories, relocate to higher ground where necessary, and cooperate with emergency personnel on the ground.
NEMA has reiterated its commitment to maintaining round-the-clock monitoring and response coordination in collaboration with both state and federal stakeholders to ensure that affected individuals receive timely assistance and support.
27th July 2025
