The devastating flash floods in central Nigeria have claimed more lives, with the death toll rising to 36, according to rescue officials. After torrential rains late on Wednesday unleashed chaos in the city of Mokwa in Niger state, more bodies have been recovered, highlighting the severity of the disaster.
The floods washed away over 50 homes, drowning residents and leaving many others missing, as reported by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). Ibrahim Audu Husseini, SEMA’s spokesperson, confirmed that “as of this morning, 11 additional bodies were recovered, bringing the total fatalities to 36.” Rescue teams continue their relentless search for missing residents into Friday, with authorities warning that the death toll is likely to rise as rescue efforts unfold across multiple locations.
Nigeria’s rainy season, which traditionally spans six months, has only just begun for this year. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying weather patterns, leading to more severe and frequent flooding episodes. Every year, Nigeria faces the destructive impacts of heavy rains and inadequate infrastructure, resulting in hundreds of deaths nationwide.
The situation is worsened by poor drainage systems, the illegal construction of homes on waterways, and the dumping of refuse into drains and water channels. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had issued warnings of potential flash floods in 15 states, including Niger, between Wednesday and Friday, underscoring the widespread risk.
In 2024 alone, Nigeria experienced one of its worst floodings in decades, with over 1,200 lives lost and 1.2 million people displaced across at least 31 states, according to the National Emergency Management Agency. As the country faces yet another tragic chapter in its ongoing struggle with flooding, authorities and communities are calling for urgent action to address the root causes and improve resilience against future disasters.
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