Hospital collapses in Cross River after landslide

A hospital in Calabar, Cross River State, has partially collapsed after a landslide undermined its structure, a consequence of persistent heavy rainfall in the region. The incident occurred Thursday at the UNICEM Clinic, located near Duke Town Drive/Anansa Road in the Big Qua Town/Marina area.

Videos circulating on social media show significant damage to parts of the hospital, sparking concerns about the safety of the surrounding area and other structures. The UNICEM Clinic was originally established to serve employees and residents associated with the United Cement Company of Nigeria (UNICEM).

The Cross River State Government has classified the event as a "serious natural disaster," noting that the landslide has been ongoing for approximately two weeks and has affected other buildings besides the hospital. Commissioner for Information Ekpenyong Cobham stated that no fatalities had been reported thus far.

Emergency response is underway, with state and federal agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), collaborating to assess the damage and support those impacted. This incident adds to growing concerns over recurring landslides and erosion in Cross River, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

PREMIUM TIMES has previously reported on deadly landslides in the state, raising questions about the effectiveness of erosion control projects and the state's preparedness to safeguard vulnerable communities, despite significant government budgets allocated for such interventions over the years.

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There’s a serious natural disaster in the area, leading to the collapse of the hospital and other buildings. The landslide has been persistent in the area for the past two weeks.