No fewer than four children and an adult have been confirmed dead after landslides triggered by 48 hours of heavy rainfall devastated the Ikot Anwatim community in Calabar Municipality, Cross River.
Aside from the death toll recorded, the landslides further led to the destruction of two houses, and two persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The casualty figure was disclosed by the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) during a rapid assessment of the affected community yesterday.
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, 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.
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.