In a tragic turn of events, heavy rains caused devastating floods in the town of Mokwa, located in Nigeria’s Niger State, leading to the deaths of over 200 people and displacing thousands more.
The flooding, which began in the early hours of May 28, overwhelmed the community and left much of the area submerged under water.
According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the floods destroyed more than 500 homes, swept away two bridges, and washed out important roadways, cutting off many neighborhoods. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to recover bodies and assist survivors trapped by the rising waters.
Ibrahim Audu Hussaini, the agency’s director of information, described the situation as one of the worst natural disasters the state has faced in recent years. He urged families to remain vigilant and cooperate with rescue efforts while warning that some residents are still missing and feared to have been carried away by the powerful currents of the Niger River.
Nigeria often experiences severe flooding during its rainy season, which typically runs from April through October. In recent years, these floods have become more frequent and destructive, a trend experts link to climate change and environmental degradation.
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The 2022 floods in Nigeria were the worst in over a decade, killing more than 600 people and displacing nearly 1.4 million across the country.
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families and has ordered immediate deployment of relief supplies and emergency services to the affected areas. “We are committed to providing assistance and ensuring that those impacted receive the help they need to rebuild their lives,” the president said.
As the community begins the long road to recovery, calls have intensified for increased investment in flood control and sustainable environmental management to reduce the risk of similar disasters in the future. Many residents and officials alike hope that lessons learned from this tragedy will help better prepare Nigeria for the challenges brought by extreme weather.