At Least 151 Killed After Heavy Flooding in Nigeria

Heavy flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria has resulted in at least 151 deaths, over 3,000 displaced, and significant infrastructure damage. President Bola Tinubu has directed emergency response efforts. Local leaders stress the need for flood-control measures.

A catastrophic flooding event in the market town of Mokwa, located in Nigeria’s north-central state of Niger, has left at least 151 people dead as of Saturday, confirmed local emergency services. This devastating incident occurred following heavy rainfall just before dawn on Thursday, unleashing torrents that overwhelmed the area. Mokwa, about 380 kilometers west of Abuja, is key for Northern Nigerian farmers who rely on the market to sell essential crops like beans and onions.

Emergency service spokesperson Ibrahim Audu Husseini provided an update to the Associated Press, noting the grim situation. Besides the fatalities, the flooding has left 11 individuals injured and displaced over 3,000 residents. With reports indicating that around 500 households across three communities were hit hard by the floodwaters, survivors found themselves waist-deep in water, urgently attempting to salvage belongings and help others in need.

The rapid development of the flooding occurred within a mere five hours, exacerbating the impact. It has also caused significant infrastructure damage, with two roads washed away and two bridges collapsing. In response to the disaster, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences in a statement released late Friday, adding that he has instructed authorities to activate emergency response measures aimed at aiding victims and facilitating recovery efforts. He emphasized the need for swift deployment of relief materials and temporary shelters, assuring that no affected Nigerian would be overlooked.

While flooding has been a recurrent issue during Nigeria’s wet season, this particular event in Mokwa is notable for its severity. Communities in northern Nigeria have faced extended dry spells and worsening climate conditions, making them vulnerable during brief periods of heavy rainfall. The local community leader, Aliki Musa, remarked that the scale of flooding is unprecedented for the village.

Furthermore, Jibril Muregi, chair of the Mokwa local government, stressed to local media that the urgency for flood-control infrastructure has been ignored for too long. Many residents now hope for both immediate relief efforts and long-term solutions to prevent such disasters in the future.

In summary, Mokwa’s recent flooding has caused significant loss of life and displacement, highlighting a growing vulnerability in Nigeria due to climate change and inadequate infrastructure. As rescue efforts continue and the government deploys support, there is an urgent call for better flood-control measures to protect communities from similar tragedies in the future.

Original Source: indianexpress.com