The floods, described as some of the worst in decades, have left a community reeling, with ongoing rescue efforts hampered by the grim assessment of survival chances.
Tragedy Strikes as Floods Claim Over 200 Lives in Nigeria
Tragedy Strikes as Floods Claim Over 200 Lives in Nigeria
Devastating floods in Mokwa, Nigeria result in a soaring toll of fatalities and countless missing persons.
In the wake of catastrophic floods that struck Mokwa, Nigeria, on Thursday, officials have reported a tragic death toll exceeding 200, while approximately 500 individuals remain unaccounted for in the north-central Niger State town. The deputy chairman of Mokwa Local Government, Musa Kimboku, conveyed to the BBC that rescue operations have been halted, with authorities no longer believing that survivors could still be found.
The floods, the most severe experienced in the region over the past 60 years, inundated the towns of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, triggered by an intense bout of rainfall. To avert potential disease outbreaks, plans are underway by local authorities to retrieve the bodies buried under the debris, as stated by Mokwa's district head, Muhammadu Aliyu.
Witnesses have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences during the disaster; Adamu Yusuf recounted watching helplessly as floodwaters swept away his wife and newborn child. “I survived because I could swim,” he remarked painfully. Saliu Sulaiman, another resident, expressed his plight after losing roughly $1,500 worth of earnings from his farm produce due to the flooding, highlighting the desperate choice between retrieving his belongings and facing the terrifying force of the water.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced on Sunday that it has begun distributing relief packages to those affected by the disaster. Following the flooding, significant damage has occurred to local infrastructure, including roads and bridges, impacting the economy and transportation in the area.
The Nigerian Red Cross has echoed concerns regarding the floods' toll, describing the current situation as one marked by significant loss of life and widespread distress. Flooding is a recurring issue in Nigeria's rainy season, which spans from April to October. The nation previously faced severe floods in 2022, which resulted in over 600 deaths and displaced approximately 1.3 million people. As recovery efforts continue, the community of Mokwa remains in mourning while grappling with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
The floods, the most severe experienced in the region over the past 60 years, inundated the towns of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, triggered by an intense bout of rainfall. To avert potential disease outbreaks, plans are underway by local authorities to retrieve the bodies buried under the debris, as stated by Mokwa's district head, Muhammadu Aliyu.
Witnesses have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences during the disaster; Adamu Yusuf recounted watching helplessly as floodwaters swept away his wife and newborn child. “I survived because I could swim,” he remarked painfully. Saliu Sulaiman, another resident, expressed his plight after losing roughly $1,500 worth of earnings from his farm produce due to the flooding, highlighting the desperate choice between retrieving his belongings and facing the terrifying force of the water.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced on Sunday that it has begun distributing relief packages to those affected by the disaster. Following the flooding, significant damage has occurred to local infrastructure, including roads and bridges, impacting the economy and transportation in the area.
The Nigerian Red Cross has echoed concerns regarding the floods' toll, describing the current situation as one marked by significant loss of life and widespread distress. Flooding is a recurring issue in Nigeria's rainy season, which spans from April to October. The nation previously faced severe floods in 2022, which resulted in over 600 deaths and displaced approximately 1.3 million people. As recovery efforts continue, the community of Mokwa remains in mourning while grappling with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
