Nigeria is reeling from a devastating flood that’s left at least 151 people dead. The disaster struck the central part of the country, where heavy rain triggered sudden flooding. Over 3,000 people have been displaced.
The flooding started early in the week and got worse after more rain fell on Friday. In the Mokwa district, 265 homes were completely destroyed. The local government is struggling to cope with the damage.
Rescue teams are still searching for missing people. So far, they’ve found 11 survivors who are being treated in the hospital. But many more are still unaccounted for.
The Mokwa district is no stranger to flooding, but the scale of this disaster is unprecedented in 60 years. The local leader, Muhammad Shaba, is calling for help from the federal government. He says the community needs food and shelter urgently.
The flooding has also damaged a key bridge, cutting off traffic between the north and southwest of the country. Many vehicles are stranded.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has ordered emergency services to step up their search and rescue efforts. But the meteorological agency is warning of more rain in the coming days, which could lead to even more flooding.
Floods are common in Nigeria during the six-month rainy season, which runs from April to October. But officials say the frequency and severity of the floods have increased in recent years, due to climate change, unregulated construction, and poor drainage.
Sources: BBC, Al Jazeera