Torrential Rains Cause Devastating Floods in Nigeria's Mokwa City
At least 25 confirmed dead and 10 missing as emergency services continue search amid widespread destruction.
Torrential rains have resulted in severe flooding in the central Nigerian city of Mokwa, claiming the lives of at least 25 individuals, as reported by emergency services on Thursday.
The floods, which occurred following a rainstorm late Wednesday, led to extensive damage, washing away or submerging more than 50 residential homes in the area.
Authorities confirmed that 10 people remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of the disaster.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the director general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reported the extensive impact of the flooding, stating, "The surging flood water submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants." Rescue efforts have been complicated as divers and volunteers work diligently to locate missing persons.
In addition to the fatalities, reports indicate that some residents, including a woman and her two children, have been hospitalized due to injuries and shock from the incident.
Nigeria experiences recurring flooding during its rainy season, which spans from May to September each year.
These seasonal floods are attributed to a combination of factors, including inadequate drainage systems, the construction of homes in vulnerable locations, and the disposal of waste in drainage channels.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had recently issued warnings regarding potential flash floods affecting 15 of Nigeria’s 36 states, including Niger State, indicating risks from Wednesday through Friday.
The flooding crisis in 2024 marked one of the most catastrophic events in Nigeria's recent history, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and displacing approximately 1.2 million residents across the country.
The floods, which occurred following a rainstorm late Wednesday, led to extensive damage, washing away or submerging more than 50 residential homes in the area.
Authorities confirmed that 10 people remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of the disaster.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the director general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reported the extensive impact of the flooding, stating, "The surging flood water submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants." Rescue efforts have been complicated as divers and volunteers work diligently to locate missing persons.
In addition to the fatalities, reports indicate that some residents, including a woman and her two children, have been hospitalized due to injuries and shock from the incident.
Nigeria experiences recurring flooding during its rainy season, which spans from May to September each year.
These seasonal floods are attributed to a combination of factors, including inadequate drainage systems, the construction of homes in vulnerable locations, and the disposal of waste in drainage channels.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had recently issued warnings regarding potential flash floods affecting 15 of Nigeria’s 36 states, including Niger State, indicating risks from Wednesday through Friday.
The flooding crisis in 2024 marked one of the most catastrophic events in Nigeria's recent history, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and displacing approximately 1.2 million residents across the country.
