The recent floods in Mokwa, Nigeria, marked by their unprecedented scale, have resulted in significant loss of life and property, prompting serious humanitarian concerns and disruption to the local economy.
Catastrophic Flooding Claims Over 200 Lives in Nigeria’s Mokwa
Catastrophic Flooding Claims Over 200 Lives in Nigeria’s Mokwa
Mokwa's devastating floods have left over 200 dead and 500 missing as the search operation ends.
The torrential floods that ravaged the Nigerian town of Mokwa have now led to a dire situation, with official reports confirming over 200 fatalities and nearly 500 individuals still unaccounted for. The local government has declared the search for survivors concluded, expressing the grim view that no additional survivors are likely to be found.
The disaster struck following an exceptional period of heavy rain, with officials stating that these are the worst floods the region has experienced in six decades. Areas such as Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa bore the brunt of the flooding, leading to tremendous destruction.
Eyewitness accounts of devastation have surfaced, with some residents sharing harrowing tales of loss. Adamu Yusuf, one of the survivors, recounted the heartbreaking moment when floodwaters swept away his wife and newborn child. "I watched helplessly as water washed away my family. I survived because I could swim," he told the BBC.
Another local, Saliu Sulaiman, lamented the financial loss caused by the disaster, detailing how he forfeited $1,500 belonging to his cash business, which was left behind in the chaotic evacuation.
In response to the crisis, Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced that relief efforts have begun, focusing on distributing aid to affected residents. However, the damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has complicated recovery efforts and continues to threaten the local economy.
The Nigerian Red Cross noted the extensive damage and significant casualties caused by the floods, emphasizing a growing humanitarian crisis. Flooding during the rainy season, which spans from April to October, is a common occurrence in Nigeria. However, the severity of this year’s events has raised alarms, especially following a similar disaster in 2022 that resulted in over 600 deaths and widespread displacement.
