By David Asu
The Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Mr. Efa Nyong, has conducted an on-the-spot visit to the site of a devastating landslide at Boro Pit, Satellite Town, Calabar, following a heavy rainfall that triggered the disaster and claimed one life.
The visit, carried out on Thursday, July 17, 2026, was aimed at obtaining a first-hand assessment of the situation ahead of a comprehensive damage and needs assessment to be conducted by the Agency.
The landslide, which occurred after a prolonged downpour on Wednesday evening, affected two residential buildings, leaving several families devastated and causing extensive damage to property.
One life was tragically lost during the incident, while other occupants narrowly escaped the disaster.
Speaking during the visit, the Director General, Mr. Efa Nyong, expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and sympathized with the bereaved family and all residents affected by the landslide.
He noted that the Agency would immediately commence a detailed assessment to determine the full extent of the damage and identify the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected households.
Mr. Nyong observed that each time emergency calls are received, they are often in response to disasters that have already occurred, stressing that the State Government is determined to change that narrative through proactive disaster risk reduction measures.
“Most times when I receive calls, it is because something tragic has already happened. Our desire is to get to a point where these calls become fewer because disasters have been prevented before they occur.”
The CR-SEMA boss also urged residents living in landslide and flood-prone communities to remain vigilant, promptly report emerging risks to the Agency and strictly adhere to safety advisories, especially during the peak of the rainy season.
