21 Dead, 10 Missing as Flash Flood Ravages Niger State
A devastating flash flood has struck Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, resulting in a loss of lives and property.
According to reports, at least 21 people have lost their lives, while more than 10 others are still missing after a torrential downpour caused widespread flooding in the area.
The disaster occurred overnight in the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town, where heavy rainfall of high intensity lasted for several hours.
The floodwaters rose rapidly, submerging and washing away over 50 residential houses, along with their occupants.
The Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Hussaini, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that the agency had received reports of the flood and was working to respond to the disaster.
“The floodwaters have caused significant damage to properties and infrastructure in the affected areas.
“Our teams are on the ground, working to rescue those trapped and provide assistance to those affected by the flood,” Hussaini said.
The Niger State Government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas, with the Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims.
The government has also announced plans to provide relief materials and support to those affected by the flood.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams from the NSEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross, and other emergency responders working to search for survivors and provide aid to those in need.
However, the situation remains challenging, with many areas still inaccessible due to the floodwaters.
The flash flood has also raised concerns about the vulnerability of communities in Niger State to natural disasters.
The state is prone to flooding, and the lack of adequate infrastructure and emergency preparedness has exacerbated the impact of the disaster.
As the rescue efforts continue, the Nigerian government has been called upon to provide more support to the affected communities and to take measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater investment in flood mitigation and emergency preparedness measures, particularly in areas that are prone to natural disasters.
The victims of the flood include men, women, and children, with many families left to mourn the loss of loved ones.
The incident has also left many people homeless, with their properties and belongings destroyed by the floodwaters.
The Niger State Government has set up a relief camp for those affected by the flood, where they are being provided with food, shelter, and medical care.
However, more support is needed to respond to the scale of the disaster, and the government has appealed to donors and humanitarian organizations to provide assistance.
As the people of Niger State struggle to come to terms with the devastating impact of the flash flood, the government and emergency responders are working tirelessly to provide support and relief to those affected.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for greater investment in disaster mitigation measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
