Adamawa: Thunderstorm Kills One, Leaves Dozens Homeless in Flood Aftermath
- A thunderstorm in Adamawa State has killed one person and left several others injured in Demsa Local Government Area
- The storm, accompanied by heavy flooding, destroyed homes, washed away farmlands and displaced families in Mbula and neighbouring communities
- Survivors and local leaders are calling on government and aid organisations to intervene urgently as hunger and homelessness worsen
A thunderstorm in Adamawa State has left one person dead, several others injured and dozens of families homeless, following heavy rainfall and widespread flooding in Demsa Local Government Area.
The Mbula community, one of the worst affected, was struck by tragedy when a powerful thunderbolt claimed the life of a resident, Leader Jimre, while injuring others who are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Source: Facebook
Residents describe the incident as unprecedented in the history of the area. The combination of floods and storm damage has wiped out farmlands, destroyed homes and left families struggling to find food and shelter.
‘The sound of the thunder is unexplainable’
Speaking to Legit.ng, a family member of the deceased recounted the moment of the tragedy:
“We were sitting outside when it started raining heavily, and we decided to rush back home before we got too wet. On our way back, the thunder struck and my brother immediately fell to the ground. The sound of the thunder is unexplainable, it got me so frightened. We quickly rushed him to the hospital and then he was confirmed dead by the doctor.”
He added:
“This is so painful and awkward, losing someone so dear to me unexpectedly — a vibrant young man, leaving our aged parents behind.”
Source: Original
Survivors share their experiences
Among those injured was Mr. Halimu Warte, who suffered a broken arm after being struck by a falling tree branch during the storm.
“I was passing beside a tree when the rain started and the thunder sounded with lightning. Immediately, a branch of the tree fell on my arm and I fell to the ground. The next place I saw myself was on the hospital bed. I became unconscious; many thought I was dead too, but I later revived,” he said.
He appealed for government support, saying:
“We are in a critical hunger and homeless situation in Borrong community. We plead with the government, traditional rulers and philanthropists to come to our aid. The flood has wiped away all our farms; we hardly feed our families.”
Another victim, Mr. Timchem Ajiya, recalled:
“I was just sitting at my house when the thunder struck. My face was darkened, and the only thing I could remember was seeing myself at the hospital bed with a drip in my hand and bruises all over my body. The sound was so loud that I became unconscious and the lightning overshadowed my eyes.”
Similarly, Mr. Godwin Joram said:
“The flood has affected me personally. I can’t remember how I ended up admitted at the hospital receiving treatment. I only recall that I fell off a chair when the rainfall started. As it stands, I can’t explain the hardship we are passing through, because we don’t have food at home and the crops in our farms have been wiped away. We are calling for help in both the health aspect and the food aspect.”
Traditional ruler steps in
The traditional ruler of Mbula community, His Royal Highness Murum Bwaltam Biyapo, expressed deep concern over the disaster. He described the event as a “bizarre” occurrence in the history of the land, adding that he had personally taken responsibility for the medical bills of those injured.
He urged the community to remain patient and prayerful while calling on authorities to intervene.
Meanwhile, the victims and displaced families continue to appeal to government and humanitarian agencies for urgent assistance in food, shelter and healthcare.
“The flood has destroyed all we have, and many of us are homeless. We are hopeful that our plea will be heard and we will receive intervention to help us,” one resident said.
Girl abducted 11 years ago finally rescued
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Adamawa state Police Command, through determination, teamwork, and community partnership, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris Falings, had made significant progress in the ongoing battle against crime.
The Command has successfully apprehended 567 suspects involved in various violent and exploitative crimes. This sweeping wave of arrests has brought hope to families.
Source: Legit.ng
Ibrahim Sofiyullaha (Editorial Assistant) Ibrahim Sofiyullaha is a graduate of First Technical University, Ibadan. He was the founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of a fast-rising campus journalism outfit at his university. Ibrahim is a coauthor of the book Julie, or Sylvia, written in collaboration with two prominent Western authors. He was ranked as the 9th best young writer in Africa by the International Sports Press Association. Ibrahim has contributed insightful articles for major platforms, including Sportskeeda in the UK and Motherly in the United States. Email: ibrahim.sofiyullaha@corp.legit.ng
Obidah Fwa (Adamawa State Correspondent) Adamawa's regional correspondent, Obidah Acheli Fwa, is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the industry. She graduated from the University of Maiduguri (2022) and has earned numerous international certifications, including leadership training from Harvard Business School. Contact her at obidahfwa@gmail.com or 09033673803.
