Tragedy Strikes Niger State: Over 100 Dead in Devastating Floods
Niger State, Nigeria – In a shocking development, local authorities confirmed that more than 100 people have lost their lives following severe flooding in the central Nigerian state of Niger. The torrential rains began late Wednesday night and persisted into Thursday morning, leading to the flooding of the town of Mokwa, located approximately 230 miles west of Abuja.
Ibrahim Audu Hussein, spokesperson for the state emergency management agency, reported that rescue efforts are still underway, with 115 bodies recovered so far. "More are expected to be found as the floodwaters have swept victims into the River Niger. The toll continues to rise as efforts progress," Hussein disclosed to AFP. Over 3,000 homes have been submerged, exacerbating the crisis in this crucial commercial hub.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had forecasted severe storms for Abuja and 14 other states, including Niger, ahead of the calamity. As Nigeria experiences its rainy season, which generally spans from April to October, flooding has been a recurrent issue in the region. Historically, Niger State has struggled with flood-related disasters, including a recent incident in April when water release from local dams destroyed over 5,000 farms in 30 communities.
The state, Nigeria’s largest by landmass and home to major dams that support the national electricity grid, has now faced its sixth flood event this year. The previous year saw floods claiming over 600 lives, displacing approximately 1.4 million individuals and damaging extensive farmland. Experts attribute the increasing severity of weather patterns to global climate change, raising critical concerns for the future. Rescue and recovery efforts continue as communities grapple with the devastating impacts of this disaster.
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