Floods Kill at Least 111 as Northern Nigeria Battles Climate…

Flooding in northern Nigeria has killed at least 111 people in Mokwa due to heavy rain. Officials warn the toll may rise. The area has faced increasing climate change impacts, worsening dry spells and heavy rainfall. Local leaders stress the need for flood-control infrastructure to protect lives. Similar flooding incidents have occurred recently, reflecting a concerning trend.

Devastating floods in northern Nigeria have tragically claimed the lives of at least 111 individuals in Mokwa, a market town known for its agricultural trades. The floods were triggered by heavy rain that fell just before dawn, leading to extensive damage in the region. Officials are warning that the death toll may continue to rise as rescue and recovery efforts progress. The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency has yet to disclose the exact rainfall totals, and the severity of the flooding remains a major concern.

The area has been grappling with prolonged dry spells as climate change exacerbates weather patterns, making the northern region particularly vulnerable during the brief rainy season. Social media has been flooded with heartbreaking images and videos, showing neighborhoods submerged, with only rooftops visible as residents wade through waist-deep waters, attempting to salvage belongings and help others.

Ibrahim Audu Husseini, a spokesperson for Niger State’s emergency agency, noted that in addition to the confirmed fatalities, there are reports of more bodies being found that have not yet been included in the official count. Mokwa, located roughly 236 miles from Abuja, serves as a vital hub where southern traders procure food from northern farmers.

Local government officials have expressed urgent concerns regarding the lack of flood-control infrastructure in the area, citing it as a crucial oversight in mitigating future risks. Jibril Muregi, the chairman of the Mokwa local government, remarked that the construction of such essential infrastructure cannot be delayed any longer. He emphasized that protecting lives and property should be a top priority, especially given the increasing frequency of severe weather events.

This disaster follows a similar trend seen in September when torrential rain and a dam collapse in Maiduguri resulted in disastrous flooding, leading to at least 30 casualties and millions displaced. This ongoing crisis only intensifies the humanitarian challenges already posed by the Boko Haram insurgency regarding safety and living conditions in Northern Nigeria.

The recent floods in northern Nigeria, resulting from heavy rainfall and exacerbated by climate change, have claimed at least 111 lives in Mokwa. As rescue efforts continue, local leaders highlight the urgent necessity for flood control infrastructure to protect communities from future disasters. With recent flooding patterns indicating a worrying trend, the government’s response will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate-related crises in the region.

Original Source: www.pressdemocrat.com