Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Ruth .J
A father and his four children have died after a residential building collapsed in Calabar, Cross River State, following days of heavy rainfall that caused flooding and damage across parts of the city.
The tragedy occurred on Friday night, July 10, 2026, at Ikot Anwatim, Ikot Ansa, a suburb of Calabar, after continuous torrential downpours weakened the structure of the house and caused it to collapse. Residents who witnessed the incident described the scene as devastating, with neighbours rushing to the area in an attempt to rescue those trapped beneath the debris.
The victims were identified as a father and his four children, who were inside the building when it collapsed. An eyewitness, identified as Asa, said the incident was horrifying and that she had to leave the area due to the shocking nature of the scene.
The collapse happened after Calabar and surrounding areas experienced several days of intense rainfall, which resulted in widespread flooding in different parts of the city. The heavy downpour affected roads, residential areas and public spaces, leaving some communities struggling with rising water levels and damage to property.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the vulnerability of residential buildings during extreme weather conditions, particularly in areas where drainage systems may be unable to cope with heavy rainfall. Building experts have repeatedly warned that weak foundations, poor construction standards, inadequate maintenance and uncontrolled development can increase the risk of structural failure during severe weather events.
Flooding has remained a recurring challenge in several Nigerian cities during the rainy season, with environmental authorities often urging residents in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures. Experts have also called for stronger enforcement of building regulations and improved urban planning to reduce the impact of weather-related disasters.
The latest tragedy comes days after another rain-related incident in Calabar, where a one-year-old baby reportedly died after floodwater entered an apartment during a heavy rainfall on July 9, 2026.
Residents have called on the Cross River State Government and emergency agencies to strengthen disaster response systems and provide support to affected families. They also urged authorities to inspect vulnerable buildings and address environmental challenges that increase the risk of flooding.
As investigations continue into the cause of the building collapse, the deaths of the father and his four children have triggered renewed calls for greater attention to public safety, climate-related risks and the enforcement of construction standards across Nigerian communities.
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