Torrential Rainfall Triggers Landslides and Floods in Calabar, Nigeria, Killing at Least Ten

Weeks of unprecedented torrential rain across Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, have caused widespread landslides and flooding that have destroyed homes, businesses, farmlands and critical infrastructure. The first major slide struck Ikot Anwatim, killing five people, including four siblings, and a fifth victim, Mr. Udo. A second slide in Obutong Community cut off a key waterfront road, snapped high‑tension power poles, and damaged underground water pipes, isolating residents and disrupting electricity and municipal water supplies. At least ten deaths have been reported, and property worth hundreds of millions of naira has been destroyed. In response, Governor Bassey Otu visited the sites, offered financial assistance, and pledged to strengthen flood mitigation and emergency response systems. The Federal Government, through the South South Development Commission, NEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, conducted a comprehensive damage assessment on 4 August 2026 to coordinate humanitarian interventions and plan long‑term resilience strategies. The Red Cross remains on standby to support affected communities.