Flooding Devastates Central Nigeria, Death Toll Reaches 110

Officials report that over 110 fatalities have been confirmed due to unprecedented flooding in central Nigeria, specifically the town of Mokwa.

Severe weather has hit central Nigeria, leading to catastrophic flooding that has claimed the lives of at least 110 individuals, according to local officials reported by the BBC. Following relentless rainfall, the head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (Nsema), Abullahi Baba-Arah, indicated that the torrential downpours lasted for hours and led to extensive destruction. Over 50 homes have reportedly been swept away, leaving many residents stranded and at risk.

The Nigerian government has expressed immense sorrow over the tragedy. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced that security and emergency services have been mobilized to facilitate search and rescue operations. This response comes in light of the devastation–specifically in Mokwa’s Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts, which have been hit hardest. District Head Muhammad Shaba Aliyu lamented that it has been "60 years" since such severe flooding struck the area and has called for government support.

As rescue efforts continue, many residents remain in peril. Local fisherman Danjuma Shaba shared a heart-wrenching account, stating, "I don't have a house to sleep in. My house has already collapsed." Historically, Nigeria faces flooding challenges during the rainy season, which typically runs from April to October, and predictions from authorities suggest heavy rainfall is imminent in at least 15 of the country's 36 states.

The devastation echoes past events, as last year's severe floods in northern Nigeria displaced approximately 1.3 million individuals and resulted in more than 600 deaths. The ongoing risk of flooding continues to threaten communities and heightens concerns over safety and food security in Nigeria, where population displacement from such catastrophes persists.

More updates on this and related stories are reported on BBC Africa's platforms, highlighting the pressing issues of climate impact and human resilience in the face of disasters.