Nigeria Underwater 151 Lost in Devastating Flood

Nigeria Reels as Flood Death Toll Climbs to 151 in Mokwa

The north-central Nigerian town of Mokwa is grappling with immense devastation after catastrophic flooding claimed the lives of at least 151 people. The tragedy, triggered by torrential predawn rainfall early Thursday, has also left thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged.

The relentless downpour unleashed its fury on Mokwa, a vital trading hub located approximately 380 kilometers (236 miles) west of Abuja. This bustling market town serves as a crucial link for northern Nigerian farmers who rely on it to sell their produce, including beans and onions, to traders from the southern regions of the country.

A woman surveys the flooded landscape in Mokwa. (AP Photo/Usman Salihu Mokwa)

Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesperson for the Niger State emergency service, confirmed the grim update to The Associated Press on Saturday. The disaster's impact extends far beyond the staggering loss of life:

• 151 confirmed fatalities, with fears the number may rise.
• 11 individuals injured, requiring urgent medical attention.
• Over 3,000 residents displaced, seeking refuge from the floodwaters.
• 500 households affected across three communities, bearing the brunt of the deluge.

Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the rapid onset of the flooding. Within a mere five hours, the water levels surged, engulfing homes and businesses, leaving roofs barely visible. Desperate residents were forced to wade through waist-deep water, struggling to salvage their belongings and rescue those in need.

The disaster has also crippled the region's infrastructure, with Husseini reporting that two roads have been washed away and two bridges have collapsed, further hindering rescue and relief efforts.

In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu issued a statement expressing his condolences and vowing swift action. He has directed the activation of an emergency response to support the flood victims and expedite the recovery process.

President Tinubu emphasized the following key measures:

• Deployment of security agencies to assist in ongoing emergency operations.
• Provision of relief materials and temporary shelter assistance to those displaced.
• Assurance that "no Nigerian affected will be left behind or unheard of."

Residents search for loved ones and belongings in the aftermath of the flooding. (AP Photo/Chenemi Bamaiyi)

While flooding is a recurring challenge during Nigeria’s wet season, the scale of this disaster in Mokwa is particularly alarming. The region, primarily a farming community near the River Niger, is unaccustomed to such extreme flooding events.

Mokwa community leader Aliki Musa highlighted the unprecedented nature of the situation, while Jibril Muregi, chairman of the Mokwa local government area, stressed the urgent need for flood-control measures that have been long overdue.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change. As rescue and recovery efforts continue in Mokwa, the focus must also turn to building resilience and implementing sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of future floods. The resilience and spirit of the Nigerian people will undoubtedly be tested in the days and weeks ahead, but their determination to rebuild and recover offers a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-floods-mokwa-c29db671f8b92972d8800a82adb2cd97