Heat Wave Tragedy in Yola

More than 200 people have died due to severe humid heat experienced from May 1 to May 13 in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State.

Residents reported to our correspondent about enduring extremely high temperatures combined with humid air, with temperatures reaching approximately 47 to 50 degrees Celsius. Experts warn that such conditions are dangerous and can cause serious health risks, including heat cramps and exhaustion.

Unofficial records from the Yola Cemetery Corporation (YCC), located in the Damare area, indicate that the death toll from the excessive heat during this period may be as high as 400.

A former permanent secretary, who witnessed the events, stated: “I think 400 could have been a slight exaggeration, but surely, the number of people who died in these circumstances was as high as 200. At some point, up to 20 deaths were being recorded per day within that period.”

Other residents shared similar experiences, noting that such extreme heat waves are not uncommon in Yola and other parts of Adamawa State. However, this year’s heat was unprecedented. The former permanent secretary remarked, “Even people who are up to 80 years of age said they had not experienced the excessive heat-waves we witnessed this year.”

During a visit to Damare cemetery on Thursday, attendants reported that an average of 35 bodies were buried daily during the peak of the heatwave.

Halliru Jauro Usman and Musa Umar, members of the YCC, attributed the increased deaths to the extreme heat.

Umar noted that the ages of the deceased ranged between 50 and 70.

“The actual number of deaths could be as high as 300 or even 400 from May 1 to 13, considering the number recorded daily,” he said.

Umar mentioned the need to expand the cemetery to accommodate the increasing number of burials.

Usman added that people from various parts of Yola were bringing the bodies of their deceased relatives to the cemetery.

A consultant at the Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola, who requested anonymity, stated that the surge in deaths could be attributed to the high temperatures, which led to a rise in infections, particularly among the elderly.

The consultant emphasized that the hospital had never before recorded such a high number of deaths in such a short period.

He explained that high temperatures can lead to dehydration, septicemia (sepsis – the body’s extreme response to infection), and measles.

Authorities Respond to the Crisis

Damba Kwenke, the Head of Adamawa Epidemiology, initially dismissed the reported death toll as a rumor. However, an investigation team he dispatched confirmed the increase in deaths due to the heatwave.

Kwenke later urged the public to remain vigilant and assured that the state government was taking steps to manage the situation.

He stated that public health threats are taken seriously and promised to enhance surveillance to further investigate the issue.

Historical Context and Community Impact

Ismaila Muhammed Barkindo, the ward head of the Damare community, told Daily Trust Saturday that they had not seen such a high death toll in a short time since 1976.

He attributed the deaths to the extreme heat and recalled that in 1976, people resorted to digging holes under bridges next to rivers to find cool places due to the heat.

In recent weeks, he noted that temperatures in Yola exceeded 45 degrees Celsius even in the early morning hours.

Many of those who died did so suddenly and without prior symptoms.

“In some cases, people died suddenly without any prior sign of distress or illness,” he said.

Barkindo mentioned that the Damare cemetery was nearing capacity and that a committee was considering closing it.

The YCC is also contemplating opening a new cemetery in either Yolde Pate or Mbamba community due to the rising number of deaths.

“A final decision has not been made yet,” he said, adding that he is part of the committee responsible for finding a new cemetery as the current one is almost full.

Barkindo extended condolences to the families of the deceased and advised residents to minimize their movements during the heat, drink plenty of water, and take cold baths to stay cool.

A bereaved family member shared a poignant story of losing her brother to the sudden heat.

She recounted how he felt extremely hot and sought water for a bath but couldn’t find any. He developed a fever, went to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola for tests, and suddenly collapsed and died while waiting for the results.

“He developed a fever and went to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola for some tests. While waiting for the results, he suddenly slumped and died on the spot,” she recounted.

Hafsat Kawu, a housewife in Yola, pointed out that frequent power outages in the city made the situation worse for residents, as they needed electricity to pump water, use fans, and operate refrigerators.

“It is a distressing moment for many families. We hope the government at the state and national levels will do something,” she said.

Experts warn that humid heat waves are extremely dangerous and are a recurring phenomenon in parts of Nigeria at certain times of the year.

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