…21 Corpses Recover, 51 Homes Swept Away- NEMA
File Photo: Flood devastation
A devastating flood in Niger State has claimed at least 21 lives and left dozens missing after hours of torrential rainfall overwhelmed Mokwa Local Government Area late Tuesday night. The flash flood, one of the worst in recent years, caused severe damage in Mokwa town, submerging homes and vehicles and displacing numerous families.
The sudden flood swept through the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, catching residents and commuters completely unprepared. More than 50 residential homes were reportedly engulfed by floodwaters, leading to significant loss of life and property. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as water levels rose rapidly, stranding drivers and washing away vehicles, including commercial buses, private cars, and trucks. With no immediate rescue efforts available during the night, many victims were left to fend for themselves.
By Wednesday morning, emergency responders and local volunteers had recovered 21 bodies from the flood-affected areas. Among the deceased were a woman and her two children. Several injured survivors, including the woman and her surviving children, are currently receiving medical attention at Mokwa General Hospital.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the disaster in a press statement, citing intense and prolonged rainfall as the cause of the flood. “There was a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted for several hours. The resulting floodwaters submerged and destroyed over 50 houses, washing away many residents in the process,” the statement read.
NSEMA, in collaboration with Mokwa Local Government authorities, local divers, and volunteers, has since launched emergency search and rescue operations. As of the latest update, 21 fatalities have been confirmed, and three injured survivors are receiving treatment for shock and wounds. Efforts to locate missing persons are ongoing, with authorities urging residents to stay vigilant and cooperate with emergency personnel. The state government is expected to release further updates as rescue teams continue to comb through the worst-hit areas.
Experts told Naija Daily News that the latest disaster underscores the growing risk of flooding in Nigeria, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Experts continue to warn of the impacts of climate change and poor drainage infrastructure, urging swift action to prevent future tragedies.
