Mokwa floods: Death toll exceeds 200, crisis deepens in Niger

DDM News

The scale of the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Mokwa, Niger State, has expanded grimly, with the death toll from the devastating flash floods now exceeding 200.

This catastrophic event, triggered by relentless predawn rainfall on Thursday, May 29, 2025, has left a trail of destruction, displacing over 3,000 residents and severely impacting more than 500 households across at least three communities.

The initial shock has given way to a deepening crisis, as rescue efforts have been officially halted, with authorities concluding that no more survivors are likely to be found.

The international community, including various aid organizations and the Nigerian diaspora, is closely monitoring the situation.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) platforms have been instrumental in disseminating real-time updates and coordinating fundraising efforts for the affected communities, bridging the gap between those on the ground and well-wishers abroad.

These platforms have shared graphic images and heartbreaking testimonials, prompting swift responses from concerned Nigerians globally.

Mokwa, a vital market town serving as a key artery for trade between northern farmers and southern traders, was hit by an unprecedented deluge.

Eyewitnesses described a rapid build-up of water, reaching waist-deep levels in just five hours, completely submerging many homes and leaving only rooftops visible.

Musa Kimboku, the Deputy Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, confirmed the updated fatality count and the ongoing exhumation of bodies buried beneath rubble to prevent disease outbreaks.

The floods also destroyed two critical roads and collapsed two bridges, severely impeding the delivery of much-needed relief materials.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier expressed condolences and ordered an emergency response, including the deployment of relief materials and temporary shelter assistance.

Security agencies have also been mobilized to assist with recovery operations and maintain order amidst the chaos.

While Nigeria’s wet season often brings localized flooding, the intensity and deadly nature of this particular incident in Mokwa are attributed to a combination of climate change-induced extreme weather patterns and inadequate flood-control infrastructure.

Communities in northern Nigeria are increasingly experiencing prolonged dry spells followed by intense, short-duration rainfall, making them highly vulnerable.

Local authorities and community leaders in Mokwa are now intensifying their calls for robust, long-term solutions, including the construction of dams and improved drainage systems, to safeguard lives and livelihoods against future environmental calamities.

The long road to recovery for Mokwa residents will undoubtedly require sustained support and strategic interventions.

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