Nigeria Underwater Have We Seen the Worst Flooding in 60 Years?

Nigeria Reels as Flood Death Toll Surpasses 200 in Devastating Natural Disaster

Nigeria is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding that has claimed the lives of more than 200 people in the town of Mokwa, located in Niger State. Officials confirm the grim milestone as rescue efforts have been largely called off, with little hope remaining of finding further survivors.

The devastating floods, described by locals as the worst in 60 years, swept through the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa following days of unrelenting torrential rainfall. The sheer force of the water has left a trail of destruction, washing away homes and causing immense suffering.

The Scene on the Ground: Heartbreak and Despair

Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the disaster. Residents who spoke with the BBC recounted scenes of utter devastation, watching helplessly as their homes and loved ones were carried away by the raging waters.

Adamu Yusuf, a resident of Mokwa, shared his tragic story: "I watched helplessly as water washed away my family. I survived because I could swim." He lost his wife and newborn child in the deluge.

Another resident, Saliu Sulaiman, lamented the loss of his home and business: "I lost at least $1,500 to the floods. It was the proceeds from the sale of my farm produce the previous day."

Key Facts at a Glance:

• Over 200 confirmed dead in Mokwa, Niger State.
• Approximately 500 people still missing.
• Floods described as the worst in 60 years for the area.
• Homes and businesses destroyed, leaving many homeless and financially ruined.

Response and Recovery Efforts

The deputy chairman of Mokwa Local Government, Musa Kimboku, confirmed that rescue operations have been largely suspended. Authorities are now focusing on preventing the spread of disease, with plans to exhume buried corpses, according to Mokwa's district head Muhammadu Aliyu.

The National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) has initiated the distribution of relief packages to affected communities. The agency also reported significant damage to roads and bridges, further compounding the crisis and disrupting the local economy.

The Nigerian Red Cross has also acknowledged the "significant loss of life and widespread distress" caused by the floods.

A Recurring Nightmare

Flooding is a recurring challenge in Nigeria during the rainy season, which typically spans from April to October.
Previous incidents include:

• 2024: Widespread flooding caused deaths and displacement across the country.
• 2022: Over 600 deaths and 1.3 million people displaced due to severe flooding.

Looking Ahead

The devastation in Mokwa serves as a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events. As Nigeria grapples with this immediate crisis, long-term strategies for flood prevention, disaster preparedness, and sustainable infrastructure development are more critical than ever. The resilience of the Nigerian people will be tested in the days and weeks to come as they begin the long road to recovery.

Tags: Nigeria floods, Mokwa, death toll, heavy rain, natural disaster, missing people, rescue efforts, Niger State, BBC News, flooding

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c071jz90pj8o