Torrential rains have caused devastating flooding in Mokwa, a town in Nigeria’s Niger State, leading to the tragic loss of at least 151 lives. The heavy downpour began on Thursday and quickly submerged the town, which is known for its bustling markets where locals buy essential goods like beans and onions.
As the waters rose, roads and bridges were swept away, and many buildings became nearly entirely submerged. The situation worsened on Friday when the death toll surged from 21 to over 100 as search and rescue operations were underway. By Saturday, officials confirmed that the death count had reached 151, with at least 11 more people injured and over 3,000 residents displaced.
Witnesses described the scene as heartbreaking. Many people are still unaccounted for, and survivors are sifting through the wreckage, mourning their losses. Kazeem Muhammed, a local resident, expressed his grief, stating, “We lost many lives, and the properties, our farm produce. Those that have their storage, have lost it.”
In response to the disaster, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu activated the national emergency response center. He assured the public that search-and-rescue operations were ongoing and that relief materials would be provided to those affected. He emphasized that no one would be left behind in this crisis.
This flooding is not an isolated incident. Nigeria often faces severe flooding during the rainy season, which typically starts in April. Local officials have pointed to poor infrastructure as a key factor worsening the damage, calling for urgent improvements to waterways. Climate change is also playing a role, as it increases the intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events. Experts have noted that last year’s flooding, which killed hundreds, was made significantly more likely and severe due to climate change.
Community leader Aliki Musa mentioned that the people of Mokwa are not accustomed to such severe flooding, highlighting the growing challenges posed by climate change. Mohamed Adow, a director at Power Shift Africa, remarked on the irony that parts of Africa can experience both drought and devastating floods. He stressed that countries contributing most to climate change must take urgent action to reduce emissions and support vulnerable regions like Nigeria.
The recent flooding in Mokwa serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action and better infrastructure to protect communities from the impacts of extreme weather.