Adamu Yusuf's life was turned upside down when he lost nine family members, including his wife and newborn baby, in the catastrophic floods that struck Tiffin Maza, a community in north-central Nigeria, early Thursday morning. At just 36 years old, Mr. Yusuf recalls how his wife woke him up just in time to gather their family and escape, only to be separated as the waters surged into their home. "I watched helplessly as water washed away my family. I survived because I could swim. It was God that saved me," he said, mourning the loss of everything he held dear.
The death toll in the region has risen dramatically, reaching over 200 according to local officials, with fears of further casualties. In Mojka Town, the aftermath of the flood has left a scene of devastation with damaged homes and discarded belongings strewn across the landscape. The community of Tiffin Maza is engulfed in grief, as remains of flooded households tell the tragic stories of what was once a thriving neighborhood.
Nineteen-year-old Isa Muhammed mourned the loss of his beloved teacher, who was trapped with family when their home was swept away by floodwaters. “Uncle Musa was a very good friend to my late father. He took care of me since my dad died in 2023,” he lamented, reflecting on the deep connections and bonds that were ripped apart by the disaster.
As water levels recede, residents are coming together to search for the missing and pay respects to the deceased. There are reports of strong, foul odors in the area, suggesting bodies trapped beneath the mud and debris. Many in Tiffin Maza reported the flood was unexpectedly severe, with water levels reaching heights of 7 feet in some areas. Ramat Sulaiman, 65, shared her harrowing experience witnessing children cry for help, only to have their school building wash away.
Undeterred, survivors like Saliu Sulaiman, whose family home is now gone, are struggling to come to terms with their losses while facing dire economic consequences from the destruction of their livelihoods. “I lost at least $1,500 to the floods. I contemplated going back to get it, but the pressure of the water scared me,” he admitted, citing ongoing nightmares of the disaster.
With uncertainty surrounding the cause, residents speculate whether a dam malfunction played a part in the flooding. Local authorities have noted that while rain had subsided, the deluge arrived suddenly and violently without prior warning. The National Emergency Management Agency is working to assist victims by providing shelter and relief supplies, while the Meteorological Agency warns of an extended rainy season that could exacerbate the flood risks in the region.
As the community begins to heal, survivors like Mr. Adamu resign themselves to the painful reality that some losses may never be reconciled. “I will never be able to heal,” he admits, as others start to look for hope amid the ruins.
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