Death Toll Reaches At Least 200 in Nigerian Town Submerged in Floods as Rescue Efforts Halted

Flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria, has claimed at least 200 lives, with rescue efforts suspended. Over 3,000 people are displaced, and health officials are exhuming bodies to prevent disease outbreaks. Authorities are calling for improved flood-control measures in the wake of the disaster.

The tragic flooding in the northern Nigerian town of Mokwa has led to a death toll now exceeding 200, according to local officials. Musa Kimboku, deputy chairman of Mokwa Local Government, confirmed the casualties to The Associated Press, noting that rescue efforts have ceased as officials no longer expect to recover any survivors. To address health risks, authorities are currently exhuming bodies that were buried under debris.

This disaster has left more than 3,000 residents displaced, with an additional 11 individuals reported injured. The flooding struck suddenly on Saturday, ravaging three communities in just five hours. Survivors waded through waist-deep water attempting to salvage what they could, while the flooding rendered roofs barely visible.

Road infrastructure has been seriously compromised, with two major roads washed away and two bridges collapsing due to the intense conditions. President Bola Tinubu expressed his sympathies for the affected individuals in a statement and announced the deployment of emergency measures to assist victims and expedite recovery efforts.

Flooding is a recurrent issue during Nigeria’s wet season, yet this event in Mokwa stands out due to its severe impact. Climate change is exacerbating prolonged dry spells in northern Nigeria, which are now punctuated by brief but intense rainfalls leading to catastrophic flooding. Community leader, Aliki Musa, remarked that such a disaster is unprecedented for the villagers.

Furthermore, Jibril Muregi, chairman of the Mokwa local government, emphasized that flood-control measures have been sorely needed for some time now. He expressed concerns that without prompt action on flood prevention infrastructure, similar disasters may occur again in the future.

The recent flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria, has resulted in over 200 confirmed deaths, pushing local government officials to halt rescue operations, believing no survivors remain. More than 3,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes, with the recent deluge causing widespread destruction of infrastructure. Authorities are working to address health concerns by exhuming bodies buried under debris, while leaders call for urgent flood-control measures to prevent future catastrophes amidst the growing challenges posed by climate change.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com