When the Ground Gave Way: My Experience with a Landslide in Enugu

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I’ll never forget the morning it happened. It was during the rainy season, and the rains had been unusually heavy that week. I live in a hilly part of Enugu, and though we’re used to erosion and washed-out roads, nothing prepared us for what we woke up to that day.

It was around 5:30 a.m. when I heard a loud, deep rumble. At first, I thought it was thunder. But within seconds, the ground began to shake lightly, and then came crashing sounds like trees falling and metal being crushed. When we rushed outside, a portion of the hill not too far from our house had collapsed.

Trees, Soil, and debris has been washed down the slope, this led to nearby roads being covered , even the houses at the base were damaged

Panic followed quickly. People were shouting and running. Some homes were already half-buried, and the local market, which was just beginning to open, was in chaos. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but properties worth millions were gone in minutes. The saddest part? There had been signs cracks on the slope, shifting soil, and blocked drainage channels but no one took it seriously.

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With that experience alone , i realized how dangerous landslides can be. Since then, I’ve learned a few things that can help prevent huge loss. First, people living in hilly areas should avoid building close to slopes, especially if the ground shows signs of erosion. Government should also ensure proper drainage systems are in place to control the flow of rainwater.

In erosion prone areas , trees and grass should be replanted as they have what it takes to hold up soil together , this will go a long way to reduce the chances of landslides.

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Our community must come together in other to be able to cope with disaster. We stayed with relatives, and some churches and schools opened their halls for displaced families. It was tough, but unity made it easier. Relief materials came in later, but it was that first week that tested our strength the most.

For anyone going through a landslide disaster, here’s my advice: don’t wait to be told to leave if you notice signs like deep cracks in the soil or tilting trees. Have an emergency bag ready with important documents, water, snacks, a phone charger, and a flashlight. And The most important of all, ensure you always listen to local weather reports during the rainy season.

Natural disasters may strike without warning, but being informed and prepared can make all the difference.