Death Toll Reaches at Least 200 in Nigerian Town Submerged in Floods as Rescue Efforts Halted
The death toll from flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria, has reached at least 200, with rescue efforts now halted. Over 3,000 people are displaced, and there are significant concerns about disease outbreaks. Infrastructure damage is severe, prompting urgency for better flood-control measures as local officials stress the unpredictability of such disasters due to climate change.
In a tragic update from Nigeria, the death toll from severe flooding in the town of Mokwa has climbed to at least 200, as confirmed by local authorities on Sunday. Musa Kimboku, the deputy chairman of Mokwa Local Government, conveyed this grim news to The Associated Press, noting that rescue operations have been halted. Officials, he stated, no longer believe anyone remains alive beneath the debris, prompting efforts to exhume bodies buried in the rubble to prevent disease outbreaks.
On Saturday, Ibrahim Audu Husseini, the spokesperson for the Niger State emergency service, reported additional troubling numbers: 11 injuries and over 3,000 people displaced due to the flooding. This calamity has impacted a staggering 500 households across three communities. The floodwaters progressed alarmingly fast, in just about five hours, submerging roofs and leaving residents struggling through waist-high water, trying to salvage their belongings and help those in need.
Infrastructure losses are severe as well; two roads were completely washed out, and two bridges collapsed, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts. In response to this crisis, President Bola Tinubu released a statement Friday night, extending his condolences and assuring that emergency responses would be activated. He emphasized the need for swift support and recovery assistance for the affected communities.
Flooding during Nigeria’s wet season is nothing new. However, this year’s situation is exacerbated by prolonged dry spells that have been intensified by climate change, leading to extreme rainfall in a short period. The Mokwa incident is particularly devastating, as the region, which relies heavily on agriculture and lies near the River Niger, is not accustomed to such severe flooding events.
Local community leader Aliki Musa highlighted that this kind of flooding is unprecedented for the villagers. Additionally, Jibril Muregi, chair of Mokwa local government area, remarked to Premium Times about the urgent need for flood-control infrastructure that has long been neglected, suggesting that these preventative measures might have lessened the disaster’s impact.
The flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria, has resulted in at least 200 deaths and displaced thousands, with rescue efforts officially called off. Infrastructure damage is significant, with roads and bridges swept away. As emergency responses materialize, concerns over disease outbreaks from unburied bodies are rising. Local leaders emphasize the crucial need for better flood-control measures to prevent future tragedies like this one. The tragic incident reflects the overarching issue of climate change affecting Nigeria’s weather patterns, worsening traditional flooding challenges.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
