Lessons from Calabar landslides

The recent landslides in Calabar serve as a stark warning, urging Nigeria to confront the growing threat posed by the intersection of climate change, inadequate environmental management, and unchecked urban development. These events, which tragically claimed lives, are not isolated accidents but clear indicators of a systemic vulnerability.

Following a disaster in Ikot Anwatim that killed five people, including four children, Calabar experienced another slope collapse at Boro Pit after heavy rainfall. These incidents expose communities living on unstable terrain to extreme danger. While flooding has long been Nigeria's primary disaster concern during the rainy season, landslides are increasingly emerging as a significant threat, especially in the rainforest regions of southern Nigeria, where rainfall is becoming more prolonged and intense.

The article draws parallels with landslides in Anambra State, noting differences in geological characteristics. Calabar faces rapid coastal/urban landslides linked to drainage and waterfront issues, whereas Anambra is known for deep-seated gully erosion. Both phenomena, however, are exacerbated by heavy rains and soil degradation.

Scientists explain that a warming atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall. This saturates the soil, weakening its stability, particularly on steep or disturbed slopes. Decades of rapid urbanization, deforestation, unregulated construction, and poor drainage in cities like Calabar have weakened natural defenses, making them highly susceptible to such events. The author stresses that these landslides are a critical moment for Nigeria to fundamentally readjust its unsustainable practices and prioritize environmentally coherent urban planning to mitigate future disasters.