Mezam Division: Mayhem in Chomba as five persons still trapped five days after landslide!.

Community members and survivors have been recounting the horror of losing loved ones. 

Meanwhile, by some strange happenstance, government authorities have neither commented nor visited the disaster site for an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused. 

Neither Mezam Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, nor North West Governor, have visited the area. Inhabitants affected by the disaster have been groaning and counting their losses. 

Besides the human casualties recorded, the landslide also led to enormous material and financial damages.

The landslide, it should be recalled, occurred in the mountainous neighbourhood of Atuadong in Chomba on Friday September 27. 

Though just five persons have been confirmed trapped in the debris, latest information suggest a sharp rise from the earlier estimates. 

Locals in Chomba have been left reeling after tonnes of rock and mud smashed into their homes as they slept Friday.

With the absence of trained rescuers, locals have been left with little choice but to dig through the collapsed hillside with whatever tools they have. 

Yet their efforts have been fruitless with all persons still trapped. The magnitude of the landslide, locals say, requires the use of excavators which are not readily available.

Dark day for Chomba

When the Fon of Chomba, His Royal Majesty Fobuzie III, visited the area over the weekend, he described Friday as a dark day not only for the people of his Fondom but other neighbouring communities.

While addressing a group of villagers who had gathered at the disaster site, the young yet respected monarch, called for vigilance, insisting on the need for relocation of residents of the affected neighborhood.

“Today is very sad day for all people of Chomba. When we have such situations, that is the best moment for us to come together. We have to come together as brothers and sisters to handle this situation,” he told his subjects.

He was categorical that: “Inhabitants of this area will need to move away until further notice. As you all can see, the stones and rocks are still rolling down. This place isn’t safe. Also, sand exploitation around this area will have to be suspended till further notice. We will work together to identify other areas that are likely to face this kind of situation”.

While calling on his people to stay calm, the traditional ruler assured them that: “We are all aware that our ancestors are with us. They have heard our cry and I am sure they will intervene for us”.

Victims narrate ordeal

Ever since the disaster broke out in Chomba, victims have been recounting horrifying experiences.

One lady who survived the disaster whose only name we obtained simply as Mirabel said she escaped death by struck of luck. She recounted that the landslide began when residents of the neighborhood were still asleep.

“We were sleeping. By the time we got up, we heard noise. I immediately stepped out to check what was happening and discovered that there was a disaster. My mother and siblings had already escaped for safety. I had to do same,” she said, revealing that: “My step mother apparently took the wrong direction while escaping. So, we have been looking for her and two other young boys. So, from our family, three persons are missing”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3247 of Wednesday October 02, 2024