The death toll from devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State, has risen to more than 200, with 500 people still unaccounted for as search efforts continue. Officials fear the worst as rescue missions have ceased, citing the slim chances of finding survivors.
Worst Flooding in 60 Years
Torrential rain swept through the towns of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa on Thursday, triggering what has been described as the region’s most severe flooding in six decades. The destruction has left families shattered, homes submerged, and livelihoods ruined.
Local residents shared harrowing accounts of loss. Adamu Yusuf, who lost his wife and newborn baby, recalled watching helplessly as the water swallowed his family. “I survived because I could swim,” he said.
Another resident, Saliu Sulaiman, spoke of financial devastation, saying, “I lost at least $1,500 to the floods. It was the proceeds from the sale of my farm produce the previous day.”
Recovery Efforts Begin Amid Widespread Despair
Authorities have warned of potential disease outbreaks and plan to exhume bodies buried underground to mitigate health risks. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun distributing relief supplies to affected communities.
Infrastructure damage has compounded the crisis, with roads and bridges washed away, disrupting transportation and local trade. The Nigerian Red Cross labeled the disaster a tragedy of “significant loss of life and widespread distress.”
A Recurring Nightmare
Flooding during Nigeria’s rainy season, from April to October, is a familiar plight. In recent years, extreme weather events have caused widespread devastation, including a 2022 disaster that claimed more than 600 lives and displaced 1.3 million people.
As the nation grapples with yet another catastrophe, calls for improved flood prevention measures grow louder. For the residents of Mokwa, however, the immediate focus remains on survival and mourning an unfathomable loss.
