Death Toll Reaches at Least 200 in Nigerian Town Submerged in Floods as Rescue Efforts Halted
The death toll in Mokwa, Nigeria, reaches at least 200 following recent flooding, with rescue efforts now halted. Authorities report over 3,000 people displaced and a risk of disease from exhumed bodies. President Tinubu has activated an emergency response as local infrastructure struggles to cope with the devastating impacts.
ABUJA, Nigeria — Reports confirm that the death toll from the catastrophic flooding in Mokwa, a market town in Nigeria’s north-central state of Niger, has surged to at least 200, as stated by a local official on Sunday. Musa Kimboku, the deputy chairman of Mokwa Local Government, relayed the grim update to The Associated Press, saying that rescue efforts are officially over, as there is little hope of finding survivors now. In a measure to prevent disease outbreaks, officials have begun the process of exhuming bodies that were buried under debris.
In addition to the fatalities, Niger State emergency service spokesperson Ibrahim Audu Husseini reported that eleven additional individuals sustained injuries, and over 3,000 residents have been displaced. The floods struck suddenly and intensely, affecting nearly 500 households across three communities in just about five hours. Homes were partially submerged, with survivors battling waist-deep waters to salvage belongings and assist others.
The floods wreaked havoc on infrastructure as well, with two roads washed away and two bridges succumbing to the rising waters. President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences in a late-night statement on Friday, announcing the activation of an emergency response to assist victims and let recovery efforts accelerate.
Flooding in Nigeria is not uncommon during the wet season, but communities in northern Nigeria have been grappling with extended dry spells exacerbated by climate change. These conditions have led to unforeseen flooding during the typically brief wet season. However, the current flood has proven especially deadly in Mokwa, which lies near the banks of the River Niger.
Local leader Aliki Musa highlighted that such extreme flooding is not something the villagers have historically encountered. Meanwhile, chairman of the Mokwa local government area, Jibril Muregi, lamented the delays in flood-control construction, underscoring that the need for such measures has long been crucial.
In summary, the flooding disaster in Mokwa has led to a tragic loss of life and significant displacement, highlighting the vulnerability of local communities to climate change and inadequate infrastructure. As rescue efforts come to an end, officials are working to prevent disease outbreaks while addressing the urgent need for flood-control measures. This incident underscores the necessity for proactive disaster management strategies in Nigeria, particularly in regions prone to severe flooding.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
