The town of Mokwa in Nigeria’s north-central Niger State was devastated by catastrophic flooding following intense pre-dawn rainfall. The deluge, which lasted approximately five hours, submerged entire communities, leading to the deaths of at least 151 people and displacing over 3,000 residents.
Mokwa, a market town situated about 380 kilometers west of Abuja, serves as a vital agricultural trade hub where northern Nigerian farmers sell beans, onions, and other produce to traders from the south. The floodwaters inundated at least 500 households across three communities, leaving roofs barely visible and residents wading through waist-deep waters in search of safety.
The disaster also resulted in significant infrastructure damage, with two roads washed away and two bridges collapsed, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Emergency services, including the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), have been working tirelessly to search for victims, especially in remote areas, and to provide medical care to the injured survivors.
President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences and directed the activation of an emergency response to support victims and expedite recovery. He assured citizens that no affected Nigerian would be left behind or unheard of.
This tragic event underscores Nigeria’s vulnerability to seasonal flooding, exacerbated by climate change and inadequate infrastructure. Local leaders have emphasized the urgent need for flood-control measures to prevent future disasters.
The Mokwa flood is part of a broader pattern of severe flooding in Nigeria, with similar incidents occurring in other regions, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive disaster management and climate adaptation strategies.
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