Over 3,000 displaced as death toll in Niger flooding rises to 151
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported a tragic rise in the death toll from the recent flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA), now totaling 151 fatalities.
Ibrahim Hussaini, the spokesperson for NSEMA, made this known on Saturday morning.
The disaster struck after hours of heavy rainfall on Wednesday night, leading to the submersion of several communities, including Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa.
In addition to the lives lost, 11 individuals sustained injuries, and a staggering 3,018 people have been displaced from their homes. The flooding also severely impacted infrastructure, with 265 houses and 503 households reported as affected.
This catastrophic event comes just five months after Niger governor Umar Bago announced a $10 million World Bank initiative aimed at combatting gully erosion in parts of Mokwa. The governor mentioned that suitable contractors had already been engaged for the project.
In response to the flooding, President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and security forces to enhance rescue and relief efforts in the impacted areas.
Source: TheCable
