At Least 151 Killed After Heavy Flooding in Nigeria
At least 151 people have died due to severe flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria. The flooding, caused by relentless rainfall, has displaced over 3,000 individuals and affected hundreds of households. Emergency response efforts have been activated by President Bola Tinubu, who has promised support for affected residents. This disaster has highlighted the urgent need for improved flood management in northern Nigeria, where climate-related issues are becoming increasingly severe.
A tragic turn of events in Nigeria has left at least 151 dead following severe flooding in the market town of Mokwa, situated in the north-central state of Niger. This rising death toll was confirmed on Saturday by emergency services, while recovery efforts continue. The catastrophic flooding was triggered by intense rainfall that hit the area in the early hours of Thursday, significantly impacting this major hub for trade and transport, located approximately 380 kilometers west of the capital, Abuja.
Ibrahim Audu Husseini, a spokesperson for the Niger State emergency service, reported that, in addition to the fatalities, 11 individuals sustained injuries, and an estimated 3,000 residents have been displaced due to the rapidly rising waters. Over 500 households in three separate communities have been severely impacted, with floodwaters reaching waist height, leaving many scrambling to salvage their belongings while attempting to rescue others trapped in their homes.
Damaging infrastructure, two major roads were washed away, and two bridges collapsed as the floodwaters surged. President Bola Tinubu offered condolences and announced emergency measures to aid the victims. He emphasized that security forces would assist with ongoing rescue operations, especially in remote areas where more victims might still be discovered. “Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay,” he stated, assuring that no Nigerian affected would be overlooked.
Flooding incidents are a familiar occurrence during Nigeria’s wet season. However, northern communities have faced prolonged dry spells exacerbated by climate change, leading to extreme flooding when heavy rains finally arrive. This recent disaster has been notably catastrophic for Mokwa, which lies close to the banks of the River Niger. Local community leader Aliki Musa remarked on the unusual severity of the flooding, indicating that it was unprecedented for the villagers.
Moreover, Jibril Muregi, the chairman of the Mokwa local government area, expressed the urgent need for flood-control infrastructure, which has long been awaited. Such investments could potentially mitigate the devastating impact of similar disasters in the future.
The flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria, is a grave reminder of the increasing intensity of climate-related disasters. While emergency services are deployed to support victims, the government faces growing pressure to improve infrastructure to prevent future catastrophes. With so many lives lost and countless others affected, the community calls for immediate and effective flood control measures. This tragedy serves as an urgent wake-up call for enhanced environmental strategies across the region to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
