The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) has conducted an emergency assessment following a deadly landslide in Ikot Anwatim Community, Calabar Municipality, which claimed five lives and left two others injured.
The assessment, carried out on Saturday, July 11, was led by the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, alongside officials from the Disaster Management Unit of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, killed four children and one adult. Another adult and a child sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Also on the assessment team were the Disaster Management Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr. Agbor Okim, and CR-SEMA's Head of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Preye Obo.
During the visit, the team inspected the affected area, interacted with bereaved families, and evaluated the extent of damage caused by the disaster.
Speaking at the scene, Mr. Nyong expressed condolences to the affected families on behalf of the Cross River State Government, describing the deaths particularly those of the children as deeply tragic.
He assured residents that the state government would work with relevant agencies and humanitarian partners to provide relief and support to the victims.
According to him, the assessment was intended to document the impact of the disaster and provide the information needed for appropriate humanitarian interventions and long-term disaster mitigation measures.
He also urged residents in landslide- and erosion-prone communities to remain alert, report early warning signs such as cracks or soil movement, and comply with evacuation directives whenever necessary.
The CR-SEMA Director General stressed the importance of sustained public awareness on disaster risk reduction, noting that climate-related disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and require a collective response from both government and communities.
Speaking on behalf of the affected residents, Mr. Bassey Patrick commended the emergency response team for its swift intervention despite the challenging circumstances.
He appealed to government and humanitarian organisations to provide urgent assistance, noting that many affected families had lost loved ones and now face significant hardship.
Following the assessment, the team recommended immediate humanitarian support for affected households, continued medical care for the injured, and a comprehensive geotechnical survey to determine the stability of the surrounding terrain.
The team also called for intensified public sensitisation on landslide and erosion risks, as well as the possible relocation of residents living in high-risk areas to safer locations to prevent future tragedies.
CR-SEMA said the exercise reflects the agency's commitment to proactive disaster management, coordinated emergency response, and the protection of lives and property in line with the People First agenda of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
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