Authorities are initiating search and rescue operations as communities grapple with loss and destruction.
Flood Disaster Claims 110 Lives in Central Nigeria
Flood Disaster Claims 110 Lives in Central Nigeria
Torrential rains lead to devastating floods in Mokwa, affecting hundreds of residents.
Amidst ongoing severe weather conditions, central Nigeria has been rocked by catastrophic floods resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 110 individuals. The devastating incident occurred after extended periods of torrential rain, according to reports from officials at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (Nsema). Abullahi Baba-Arah, head of Nsema, indicated that the floods were so powerful that over 50 homes were swept away in the town of Mokwa, taking many residents by surprise.
The Nigerian government has expressed deep sorrow over the disaster, with Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announcing the mobilization of security and emergency agencies to aid in the ongoing search and rescue efforts. The Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa neighborhoods of Mokwa have been reported as the hardest hit areas.
Local leaders, including Mokwa's District Head Muhammad Shaba Aliyu, have drawn attention to the severity of this flooding, noting it has been "60 years" since such an event has struck their community. In a heartfelt plea, Mr. Aliyu stated, "I beg the government to support us," highlighting the pressing need for assistance.
The plight of many residents is palpable; Danjuma Shaba, a local fisherman, shared his harrowing experience of having lost his home, saying, "I don't have a house to sleep in. My house has already collapsed."
As the rainy season in Nigeria, which spans from April to October, continues, authorities have warned of potential heavy rains impacting at least 15 of the nation's 36 states. Historical data reveals that Nigeria has repeatedly faced instances of severe flooding, with last year's disasters resulting in over 600 fatalities and displacing around 1.3 million individuals from their homes.
This devastating scenario calls for immediate and effective government intervention to aid affected communities as they navigate through rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of natural calamities.
The Nigerian government has expressed deep sorrow over the disaster, with Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announcing the mobilization of security and emergency agencies to aid in the ongoing search and rescue efforts. The Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa neighborhoods of Mokwa have been reported as the hardest hit areas.
Local leaders, including Mokwa's District Head Muhammad Shaba Aliyu, have drawn attention to the severity of this flooding, noting it has been "60 years" since such an event has struck their community. In a heartfelt plea, Mr. Aliyu stated, "I beg the government to support us," highlighting the pressing need for assistance.
The plight of many residents is palpable; Danjuma Shaba, a local fisherman, shared his harrowing experience of having lost his home, saying, "I don't have a house to sleep in. My house has already collapsed."
As the rainy season in Nigeria, which spans from April to October, continues, authorities have warned of potential heavy rains impacting at least 15 of the nation's 36 states. Historical data reveals that Nigeria has repeatedly faced instances of severe flooding, with last year's disasters resulting in over 600 fatalities and displacing around 1.3 million individuals from their homes.
This devastating scenario calls for immediate and effective government intervention to aid affected communities as they navigate through rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of natural calamities.
