The death toll from the devastating flood disaster that struck Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has risen significantly, with at least 115 bodies now recovered by rescue teams.
This was confirmed by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) during an update on the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General, Ibrahim Baba Arah, the Public Relations Officer of NSEMA, Ibrahim Hussaini, confirmed the grim development.
He clarified that the current figures are contrary to earlier speculations circulating on social media. “Contrary to what is on social media, we have recovered 115 bodies. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing,” he stated.
The catastrophic incident occurred on Tuesday night following prolonged and torrential rainfall that led to a severe flood during the early hours. The flood, which struck under the cover of darkness, caught many residents off-guard, resulting in tragic loss of life, displacement of families, and widespread destruction of property.
Eyewitnesses described the horror of the night, recounting how the rain, which fell incessantly for several hours, led to a sudden and overwhelming surge of water. The floodwaters engulfed over 50 residential homes, trapping numerous individuals inside. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, particularly in the worst-hit communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town.
In addition to the human casualties and residential destruction, the flood also wreaked havoc on vehicles in the affected areas. Commercial buses, private cars, and cargo trucks were either swept away or left stranded and damaged as the floodwaters rose rapidly, leaving a trail of debris and immobilized vehicles in its wake.
The rescue operations team, composed of emergency workers and local volunteers, continues to search for survivors and retrieve bodies.
Their efforts have been hampered by challenging weather conditions and the extent of the devastation, but they remain committed to bringing closure to grieving families and aiding displaced residents.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency responders. Meanwhile, the government is assessing the full impact of the disaster and considering both immediate relief measures and long-term solutions to mitigate the effects of such natural disasters in the future.
As the community of Mokwa mourns its dead and counts its losses, the unfolding tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating power of nature and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and effective disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.