Niger Flood: Communities Struggle with Stench of Decaying Corpses

Residents of Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State continue to suffer from the aftermath of deadly floods that occurred two weeks ago, as they contend with the stench of decaying corpses. The floods resulted in significant loss of life and extensive displacement. Government aid has been promised to assist in recovery, yet locals remain anxious about health implications and the slow pace of response measures. The governor has linked the flooding to potential foreign water sources, indicating broader environmental concerns.

In Niger State, the aftermath of catastrophic floods continues to haunt residents of Mokwa Local Government Area as nearly two weeks have passed since the disaster struck. Many locals are grappling with the unbearable stench of decaying corpses, remnants of the flood victims believed to be entombed beneath debris and sand. This unresolved odor not only serves as a painful reminder of the tragedy but also poses an increasing health threat to the community.

The flood event occurred on May 28 and 29, which tragically claimed an estimated 200 lives as heavy rainfall battered the region. As the waters receded, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency reported that more than 50 homes were destroyed and over 3,000 individuals displaced. The official death toll currently stands at 161 recovered bodies, with concerns that more remain unaccounted for.

Residents, including Esther Nwanosike, have voiced their distress. “I sell food in a makeshift shop. The smell is overwhelming, and I am concerned about the potential health implications,” she expressed. Another local, Alhassan Kolo, shared a drastically similar sentiment, remarking on the unrecognizable state of some of the recovered corpses. “The water has receded, but we are battling with sand pile-up and the stench,” he mentioned, indicating ongoing struggles as they continue their search through the debris.

Ahmed Yusuf, another affected individual, lamented the suffocating odor that has taken hold of the area. His fears about the missing victims’ remains also echo throughout the community as residents become increasingly vocal about their plight. Others like Salihu Ishaq noted a reluctance among displaced individuals to relocate to official camps, citing the traumatic nature of the disaster and the need for recovery efforts to accelerate.

Compounding the already harrowing situation is the personal loss of residents such as Amina Abubakar, who is still searching for her sister and her three children who went missing in the flood chaos. Many are appealing for urgent governmental assistance, with Abubakar emphasizing, “Most people have lost everything and don’t know where to start. The government should come in immediately; it is very urgent.”

In response, the Federal Government led by Vice President Kashim Shettima announced a N2 billion aid package to assist in the rehabilitation of the town and its residents. The Niger State government has also pledged N1 billion for the same cause, alongside essential food supplies.

Idris Ibrahim, the Director of Public Health, acknowledged the problem of the persistent odor and assured that measures were being taken. “A prevention control team is there and officials are working round the clock to ensure that the smell issue is addressed,” he stated. Ibrahim added that plans for the residents’ relocation were also under discussion, showing the government’s awareness of the ongoing crisis.

On a broader level, Governor Mohammed Bago highlighted the necessity of evaluating the flooding’s origins, expressing concerns they may stem from foreign waters. Bago emphasized, “We house four hydropower dams, and after the first rain, all our dams are so full.”

Bago commended the Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, for his heartfelt donation to flood victims, urging the Federal Government to proactively tackle climate change problems in the region. This call for action gives hope to many residents who await necessary aid and recovery efforts to help revive their community and restore normalcy, keeping in mind the daunting challenges that remain ahead.

This disaster underscores a critical need for better infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and responsive government actions to mitigate future tragedies for affected communities in Niger State.

As the situation in Mokwa continues to unfold, residents struggle with the aftermath of devastating floods, particularly the disturbing stench of decaying bodies and the psychological trauma of loss. With governmental support pledged in the form of funds from both federal and state levels, there is hope for recovery; however, residents stress urgency in actions to address both health concerns and the welfare of the displaced. This catastrophe has sparked a larger conversation about climate responsibility and infrastructure improvement in the region.

Original Source: punchng.com