NEED TO KNOW
- Extreme flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria has lead to more than 200 deaths, officials tell the BBC
- An additional 500 people are still missing and presumed dead as authorities have called off rescue efforts
- The flooding began at 3 a.m. on May 29 while many residents were sleeping
Nigeria is suffering a devastating loss amid what is being referred to as the worst flooding in 60 years.
According to the BBC, the official death toll is currently at more than 200 people with 500 others still missing. Local official Musa Kimboku told the outlet that rescue efforts have ended because none of the missing are believed to still be alive amidst the devastation.
The flooding occurred in the town of Mokwa, heavily impacting the districts of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa following torrential rains.
Mokwa district head Muhammadu Aliyu told the BBC that authorities plan to start digging out corpses buried under the rubble in an effort to prevent disease.
Ibrahim Audu Husseini, the spokesperson for the Niger State emergency service, told the Associated Press that in addition to the more than 500 households impacted by the flooding, two roads were washed away and two bridges collapsed.
According to the Nigerian Red Cross, the flooding began on May 29 at 3 a.m. when most people were asleep “resulting in significant loss of life and widespread distress.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Nigeria said in a Facebook post on May 31 that 3,018 individuals have been displaced. NEMA is using water purification equipment to help make potable water for residents in an effort to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shared a lengthy statement on X on May 30, saying, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time.”
He also assured citizens that the government would be providing assistance to those affected by the flooding.
“Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay,” Tinubu wrote. “We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of. I assure all those impacted that your government stands with you.”
Read the full article here
