Tragedy in Nigeria: Floods Claim 200 Lives, 500 Still Missing

  Nigeria is suffering a devastating loss amid what is being referred to as the worst flooding in 60 years.  According to the BBC, the offic...

 

Nigeria is suffering a devastating loss amid what is being referred to as the worst flooding in 60 years. 

According to the BBC, the official death toll is currently at more than 200 people with 500 others still missing. Local official Musa Kimboku told the outlet that rescue efforts have ended because none of the missing are believed to still be alive amidst the devastation. 

The flooding occurred in the town of Mokwa, heavily impacting the districts of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa following torrential rains.

Mokwa district head Muhammadu Aliyu told the BBC that authorities plan to start digging out corpses buried under the rubble in an effort to prevent disease. 

Ibrahim Audu Husseini, the spokesperson for the Niger State emergency service, told the Associated Press that in addition to the more than 500 households impacted by the flooding, two roads were washed away and two bridges collapsed.

According to the Nigerian Red Cross, the flooding began on May 29 at 3 a.m. when most people were asleep “resulting in significant loss of life and widespread distress.”

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Nigeria said in a Facebook post on May 31 that 3,018 individuals have been displaced. NEMA is using water purification equipment to help make potable water for residents in an effort to avoid waterborne illnesses. 

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shared a lengthy statement on X on May 30, saying, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time.”

He also assured citizens that the government would be providing assistance to those affected by the flooding. 

“Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay,” Tinubu wrote. “We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of. I assure all those impacted that your government stands with you.”