Nigerian authorities have reported significant flooding in the western town of Mokwa, resulting from torrential rainfall. The flooding has led to at least 56 fatalities, with officials expressing surprise at the severity of the disaster.
The floods, which occurred after heavy overnight rains, have displaced numerous families and destroyed homes and businesses in Mokwa, located approximately 235 miles west of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. The town, known for its central location at the intersection of three major roads, serves as a key market hub for surrounding villages. Authorities and residents anticipate that the death toll may increase as rescue operations continue and floodwaters recede.
Residents described waking to a shocking scene of devastation. Umar Jamil, a local shopkeeper who lost his business, recounted efforts to help others escape the rising waters, noting the tragic sight of bodies floating in the flood.
Habibu Wushishi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management in Niger State, indicated that search and recovery efforts are ongoing, with camps being established for the hundreds of displaced individuals seeking shelter.
The rainy season in Nigeria typically spans from April to October, bringing with it the risk of flooding. However, recent studies have linked climate change to an increase in the intensity of such floods. In 2022, Nigeria experienced its worst flooding in a decade, resulting in over 600 deaths and displacing 1.4 million people.
While authorities had anticipated flooding during this year's rainy season, they did not expect it to be as severe in areas like Mokwa, which is not situated along a river. Residents, including Mr. Jamil, expressed frustration over the perceived slow response to flood warnings, highlighting long-standing concerns about the potential for such disasters.