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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
More Than 200 Dead, 500 Missing and Presumed Dead Amid Catastrophic Flooding in Nigeria
Extreme flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria has lead to more than 200 deaths, officials tell the BBC An additional 500 people are still missing and presumed dead as authorities have called off rescue efforts The flooding began at 3 a.m. on May 29 while many residents were sleepingNigeria is suffering a devastating loss amid what is being referred to as the worst flooding in 60 years. According to the BBC, the official death toll is currently at more than 200 people with 500 others still missing. Local official Musa Kimboku told the outlet that rescue efforts have ended because none of the missing are believed to still be alive amidst the devastation. The flooding occurred in the town of Mokwa, heavily impacting the districts of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa following torrential rains. Mokwa district head Muhammadu Aliyu told the BBC that authorities plan to start digging out corpses buried under the rubble in an effort to prevent disease. Ibrahim Audu Husseini, the spokesperson for the Niger State emergency service, told the Associated Press that in addition to the more than 500 households impacted by the flooding, two roads were washed away and two bridges collapsed. According to the Nigerian Red Cross, the flooding began on May 29 at 3 a.m. when most people were asleep 'resulting in significant loss of life and widespread distress.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Nigeria said in a Facebook post on May 31 that 3,018 individuals have been displaced. NEMA is using water purification equipment to help make potable water for residents in an effort to avoid waterborne illnesses. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shared a lengthy statement on X on May 30, saying, 'I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time.' He also assured citizens that the government would be providing assistance to those affected by the flooding. 'Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay,' Tinubu wrote. 'We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of. I assure all those impacted that your government stands with you.' Read the original article on People
The Journal
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Journal
'We lost many lives': Flooding in Nigerian town leaves at 151 people dead
AT LEAST 151 people have been confirmed dead after heavy rainfall unleashed devastating flooding in the market town of Mokwa in north-central Nigeria. More than 3,000 people have been displaced by the flooding, Niger state emergency agency spokesman Ibrahim Audu Husseini said. He added that 265 houses were 'completely destroyed' and two bridges were washed away. Husseini also said many were still missing, citing a family of 12 where only four members had been accounted for as of Friday. At least 500 households across three communities were affected by the pre-dawn rain that began lashing the area on Thursday, leaving roofs barely visible and residents waist-deep in water, Husseini added. People search in flooded area following a downpour in Mokwa Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Communities in northern Nigeria have been experiencing prolonged dry spells worsened by climate change and excessive rainfall that leads to severe flooding during the brief wet season. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said he has directed the activation of the national emergency response centre to quickly assist Niger state. 'Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the state government's efforts,' Tinubu said in a late night message. 'Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay. We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of.' The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that the Nigerian Red Cross, local volunteers, the military and police were all helping in the response. Advertisement 'We lost many lives' Residents were mourning the dead today as some awaited news of their missing loved ones. They also lamented the destruction caused in the town, a major meeting point where traders from the south buy beans, onions and other food from farmers in the north. 'We lost many lives, and the properties, our farm produce. Those that have their storage have lost it,' said resident Kazeem Muhammed. Mohammed Tanko, 29, a civil servant, pointed to a house he grew up in, telling reporters: 'We lost at least 15 from this house. The property (is) gone. We lost everything.' A man searches in the rubble left by the flooding in Mokwa Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Describing how she escaped the raging waters, Sabuwar Bala, a 50-year-old yam vendor, told reporters: 'I was only wearing my underwear, someone loaned me all I'm wearing now. I couldn't even save my flip-flops.' 'I can't locate where my home stood because of the destruction,' she said. Mokwa community leader Aliki Musa said people are not used to such flooding. The chairman of the Mokwa local government area, Jibril Muregi, told local news website Premium Times that construction of flood-control works is long overdue. In addition to climate change, floods in Nigeria are exacerbated by inadequate drainage, the construction of homes on waterways and the dumping of waste in drains and water channels. 'This tragic incident serves as a timely reminder of the dangers associated with building on waterways and the critical importance of keeping drainage channels and river paths clear,' NEMA said in a statement. With reporting from AFP and Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
