Deadly Flood: Niger Communities Battle Stench from Decaying Corpses

In Mokwa, Niger State, residents face health risks from the stench of decomposing bodies after devastating floods. Over 200 people drowned in the incident, with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency reporting significant displacement and fatalities. The government has pledged billions for recovery efforts, while local residents demand urgent action and support.

In the aftermath of devastating floods in Niger State’s Mokwa Local Government Area, residents are grappling with the lingering stench of decomposing bodies believed to be flood victims. Nearly two weeks since the catastrophe, individuals in the community report that the odor serves as a haunting reminder of the tragedy and poses a significant health risk. Over 200 people are estimated to have drowned during the flood that ravaged the area, which began on May 28 and 29, while the Niger State Emergency Management Agency reported that more than 3,000 individuals were displaced and around 161 bodies have been recovered from varied locations within the site.

As floodwaters receded, the situation worsened for residents. The agency revealed that many corpses remain unaccounted for, either buried under debris or hidden beneath layers of sand. Community members like Esther Nwanosike expressed deep concern about the odors that become more pronounced whenever the wind shifts. “My customers… say they could not breathe well because of the stench,” she stated, urging government intervention.

Another resident, Alhassan Kolo, described the situation as dire, mentioning the almost unrecognizable state of some recovered bodies. “As we dig through the sand, we discover property and corpses,” Kolo noted, reflecting the grim reality of the community’s struggles. Meanwhile, Ahmed Yusuf echoed similar fears, emphasizing that many victims remain unaccounted for: “I pray the government acts quickly to stop this. The stench is choking us.”

Numerous residents have sought refuge in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. However, many expressed reluctance to stay there, given the emotional and physical toll of the disaster. Salihu Ishaq shared his heart-wrenching experience, losing family members in the flood’s fury and emphasizing the urgent need for government action.

In official responses, the Federal Government announced plans to donate N2 billion for rehabilitation efforts, alongside food and other essentials for the affected individuals. The state government has also pledged N1 billion to assist those in need. Community member Amina Abubakar, who lost both her sister and her children, made a passionate plea for immediate assistance, stating, “Most people have lost everything and don’t know where to start. The government should come in immediately; it is very urgent.”

Responding to the overwhelming stench, Idris Ibrahim, the Director of Public Health, assured the public that the government was taking steps to manage the situation. He mentioned a prevention control team actively addressing the health concerns. “We are doing something about it…” Ibrahim said, acknowledging the need to provide support to the community.

NSEMA’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, reported the fatalities have reached 161, adding that recovery efforts continue. Government representatives continue to work alongside local authorities to provide much-needed support.

Addressing the foul odor, NEMA spokesman Manzo Ezekiel provided clarity, stating that the scent cannot solely be attributed to the bodies of victims but also to human waste from household toilets that the floodwaters had displaced.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago suggested at a press briefing that this flood could be exacerbated by hydrologic events from neighboring regions, hinting at a more complex problem involving climate dynamics that need addressing. Calling on the Federal Government to implement preventive measures against climate change, Bago highlighted the urgent need for relocation advocacy for at-risk communities.

In a show of solidarity, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited Mokwa to support the affected individuals, announcing a donation to aid recovery efforts. The devastation has prompted a call for comprehensive action to address both immediate and long-term challenges facing the region.

The tragic aftermath of the floods in Mokwa, Niger State, highlights the urgent need for government intervention and support for affected communities. With health risks on the rise due to the stench of decaying corpses and displaced residents struggling for safety and basic necessities, timely assistance is crucial. Recovery efforts are ongoing, but the challenges posed by this disaster require a comprehensive response, addressing both the immediate needs and the underlying issues of climate change and disaster preparedness in the region.

Original Source: punchng.com