Tragedy Strikes in Nigeria: Flooding Claims 151 Lives in Mokwa
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A devastating flood in Mokwa, a market town in north-central Nigeria, has claimed at least 151 lives following torrential rainfall that struck early Friday morning. The Niger state emergency agency reported that more than 3,000 individuals have been displaced, with at least 500 households impacted in the disaster.
According to Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesman for the Niger state emergency agency, the severe flooding left roofs barely visible and residents wading through waist-deep water. The region, accustomed to dry spells exacerbated by climate change, has faced increasingly severe floods during the brief rainy season.
In response to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu has activated the national emergency response center to facilitate rapid assistance. "Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilized," he stated, promising that relief supplies and temporary shelters will be provided promptly to those affected.
While the government shifts its focus to immediate relief efforts, residents are mourning the loss of life and the destruction of their community. For many, Mokwa is a critical hub where traders gather to buy essential goods, such as beans and onions, from local farmers. As they assess the damage, community members like Kazeem Muhammed expressed their grief, stating, "We lost many lives, and the properties, our farm produce. Those with storage have lost everything."
As recovery efforts begin, the emotional toll on the community continues to be profound, with many families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones still unaccounted for amidst this tragedy. The Nigerian nation now faces the challenge of rebuilding in the wake of this natural disaster.
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