At Least 151 Killed After Heavy Flooding in Nigeria

Devastating floods in Mokwa, Nigeria, have claimed at least 151 lives and displaced over 3,000 people. The rapid onset of flooding followed heavy rainfall, damaging infrastructure and leaving many communities struggling. President Tinubu has activated emergency measures to assist victims, with urgent calls for improved flood-prevention infrastructure.

At least 151 lives have been lost due to catastrophic flooding in the market town of Mokwa, located in Nigeria’s north-central Niger state. The local emergency services confirmed the grim statistics on Saturday. The heavy rainfall, which began pre-dawn on Thursday, caused flooding that has left many searching for the missing and displaced over 3,000 individuals in the region.

Mokwa is roughly 380 kilometers west of Abuja and serves as a crucial trading hub where farmers from Northern Nigeria sell produce like beans and onions. Ibrahim Audu Husseini, a spokesperson for the Niger State emergency service, reported that in addition to the fatalities, at least 11 individuals sustained injuries from the flooding. The flash floods engulfed 500 households across three communities in a matter of just five hours — a rapid escalation that caught many off guard, with roofs barely visible and residents struggling in waist-deep water.

Moreover, destruction is extensive, with two roads being washed away and two bridges collapsing as the waters surged. In light of the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences and has initiated emergency measures to alleviate the situation for victims, urging that recovery efforts should proceed with urgency. “Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay,” he assured in a statement. Security agencies are assisting in the ongoing operations, as worries persist about the potential discovery of more bodies in more remote areas.

Flooding during Nigeria’s wet season is not uncommon, although this incident has proven particularly fatal for Mokwa. Communities there have been grappling with severe dryness, exacerbated by climate trends leading to heavy rains that precipitate flooding during the brief wet season. Aliki Musa, a local community leader in Mokwa, indicated that the villagers were taken by surprise, noting they are not accustomed to such overwhelming flooding.

Jibril Muregi, the chairman of the Mokwa local government area, emphasized that the need for flood-control infrastructure has long been neglected. This event underscores the urgency of addressing these infrastructure delays, as the town grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy.

The devastating flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria, has resulted in at least 151 fatalities and significant displacement. The crisis has raised urgent questions about infrastructure and preparedness for such weather events, which have become increasingly severe due to climate change. As recovery efforts are underway, officials and community leaders are calling for improved flood-control measures to prevent future tragedies. Immediate relief is being provided, but the long-term implications for affected families and communities remain to be seen.

Original Source: indianexpress.com