At least nine people died and many more received injuries in
a landslide at Edim Otop community in the Calabar metropolis on September 4,
2013, Wednesday.
The Information Director of Cross River State Emergency Management
Agency (SEMA), David Akate, revealed these sad facts in the state capital, Calabar,
on September 5, 2013, Thursday.
The disaster happened due to heavy rains which lasted for
more than five hours.
The official noted that Cross River Government issued a
warning to residents of flood-prone communities and recommended them to leave
dangerous areas.
“We have been telling them that the place is not only a
ravine but a flood-prone area, but they refused to take our advice,” he said.
David Akate assured the State Government had taken
responsibility for the treatment of the survivors, whom he said, were
responding to treatment.
The SEMA official also added that the corpses of the
deceased have been deposited at the state General Hospital mortuary.
A witness, Eno Akpan, said: “we were just sitting outside
discussing about the down pour when suddenly we saw trees rolling down from the
top of the hill.
“Within a twinkle of an eye, it collapsed on the building
and buried the entire occupants.
“Well, at that time there was nothing we could do because
everybody started running away in confusion, and we were hearing cries and
shouts of some of the children from within the house.
“But by the time help could come, the family was gone and
only three were rescued,” she said.
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