Nigeria Floods Claim Over 115 Lives in Niger State
Torrential rains have unleashed devastating floods in Nigeria's Niger State, particularly impacting the town of Mokwa.
The Disaster in Mokwa
At least 115 people have died, and several remain missing as rescue operations continue following the severe flooding. Over 3,000 houses have been submerged, exacerbating the crisis.
Ibrahim Audu Hussein, spokesperson for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), indicated that the death toll is expected to rise as bodies are recovered downstream in the River Niger.
Background and Contributing Factors
The disaster follows warnings of heavy storms issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. Mokwa, a critical commercial hub located west of Nigeria's capital, Abuja, has been significantly affected.
Nigeria is susceptible to flooding during the rainy season, which typically spans from April to October.
History of Flooding in Nigeria
This tragedy adds to Nigeria's history of flood-related disasters. In 2022, widespread flooding claimed over 600 lives, displaced approximately 1.4 million people, and destroyed vast amounts of farmland.