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More than 3,000 people were displaced in the flooding in the
town of Mokwa in Niger state, more than 180 miles (300
kilometers) west of Abuja, the capital of Africa’s most populous
nation, Niger state emergency agency spokesman Ibrahim Audu
Husseini said.
At least 500 households across three communities were affected
in the predawn rain Friday, leaving roofs barely visible and
residents waist-deep in water, Husseini added.
Communities in northern Nigeria have been experiencing prolonged
dry spells worsened by climate change and excessive rainfall
that leads to severe flooding during the brief wet season.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said he has directed the
activation of the national emergency response center to quickly
assist the state.
“Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and all relevant
federal agencies have been mobilized to support the state
government’s efforts,” Tinubu said in a late night message.
“Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being
deployed without delay. We will ensure that no Nigerian affected
by this disaster is left behind or unheard of.”
Residents were mourning the dead on Saturday as some awaited
news of their loved ones still unaccounted for. They also
lamented the destruction caused in the town, a major meeting
point where traders from the south buy beans, onions and other
food from farmers in the north.
“We lost many lives, and the properties, our farm produce. Those
that have their storage have lost it,” said resident Kazeem
Muhammed.
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