Flooding Death Toll Rises to 110 in Nigeria Amid Torrential Rains

The recent heavy rain in Nigeria has devastated communities, particularly in central regions, where at least 110 people have tragically lost their lives to flooding. According to officials from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (Nsema), the torrential downpours lasted several hours and caused significant destruction in the town of Mokwa, washing away over 50 houses along with their occupants.

Nigerian authorities have expressed deep condolences for the loss of life, with Information Minister Mohammed Idris stating that security and emergency agencies are mobilized for search and rescue efforts. The most affected areas in Mokwa were the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts. District Head Muhammad Shaba Aliyu emphasized the severity of the disaster, stating it had been "60 years" since the community faced such severe flooding and called for urgent government support.

The search and rescue operation continues, as many residents remain at risk. Local fisherman Danjuma Shaba shared his personal tragedy of losing his home to the floods. Nigeria's rainy season stretches from April to October, and during this period, flooding incidents have become increasingly common. Authorities estimate that approximately 15 out of Nigeria's 36 states are presently at risk of further heavy rain. The nation experienced severe flooding last year, resulting in the deaths of over 600 people and displacing around 1.3 million individuals from their homes, highlighting an ongoing crisis that continues to impact livelihoods and communities across the nation.