At Least 151 Killed After Heavy Flooding in Nigeria

Devastating flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria, has led to at least 151 deaths, with over 3,000 displaced. The flooding occurred due to heavy rainfall on Thursday, washing away roads and collapsing bridges. President Tinubu has mobilized emergency response efforts, promising support to affected residents. The event highlights the need for better flood-control measures in the region, as similar incidents are anticipated during the wet season.

A tragic update from Nigeria reveals that the death toll from recent catastrophic flooding has reached at least 151, according to the local emergency service. The flooding struck Mokwa, a vital market town in Niger State, following heavy rainfall on Thursday morning that devastated the area located about 380 kilometers (236 miles) west of Abuja. This town is essential for local farmers who rely on it to sell their crops, including beans and onions, to southern traders.

Ibrahim Audu Husseini, a spokesperson for the Niger State emergency service, communicated this grim update to The Associated Press on Saturday. As the situation unfolds, reports indicate that in addition to the fatalities, 11 people sustained injuries and over 3,000 have been displaced. The urgency of finding more victims remains high as the community grapples with the aftermath.

The flooding disrupted around 500 households in three communities, with waters rising dramatically within a mere five hours — so high that residents found roofs submerged and were left waist-deep in water, trying to salvage their belongings and help one another. In consequence, two roads have been completely washed out and two bridges have collapsed, complicating rescue efforts.

President Bola Tinubu offered his condolences in a statement issued late Friday and announced the activation of an emergency response plan to aid victims and expedite recovery efforts. He noted that security agencies were deployed to assist in emergency operations and expressed concerns that more bodies might be found in harder-to-reach areas yet.

“Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay,” he said, reassuring the affected population that, “no Nigerian affected will be left behind or unheard of.” This incident comes at a time when flooding is often expected during Nigeria’s wet season, exacerbated by prolonged dry spells due to climate change.

However, the scope and severity of this flooding in Mokwa, a community situated by the banks of the River Niger, has caught residents off-guard. Local leader Aliki Musa emphasized that these levels of flooding were unprecedented in their experience. Meanwhile, Jibril Muregi, chairman of the Mokwa local government area, lamented the overdue creation of flood-control measures which could have mitigated the disaster.

The recent flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria, has resulted in a tragic death toll of at least 151 and left over 3,000 people displaced. While flooding is common during the wet season, this incident’s intensity has shocked local residents and officials alike. As rescue efforts continue and relief assistance is mobilized, there are calls for improved flood-control infrastructure to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Original Source: indianexpress.com