Victor Ezeja
In the wake of the devastating floods that occurred at Mokwa town in Niger State, Nigeria, not less than 151 persons have been confirmed dead, 11 others injured and over 3,000 residents displaced from their homes.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Saturday by Ibrahim Husseini, the spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the statement, Mr. Husseini said that 3,018 persons were displaced by the floodwaters, which impacted 503 families.
He stated that three communities within the town were impacted by the disaster, which washed away two bridges and two roads.
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Numerous homes were apparently inundated by the floodwaters, and dozens of individuals lost their lives.
According to reports, the flood, which was attributed to heavy rains, devastated residents of the Hausawa and Tifin Maza communities.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, as many people remain missing.
In a statement on Saturday, President Bola Tinubu commiserated with the Niger State government and the affected families.
He said that upon receiving initial reports about the flood, he directed the activation of the National Emergency Response Centre to begin operations aimed at containing the humanitarian crisis caused by the disaster.
The president, who described the situation as “distressing”, pledged that efforts will be made to “ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of.”
“l assure all those impacted that your government stands with you. We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response, one that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery,” Tinubu stated.
The president added that security agencies are on ground to assist NEMA officials and other emergency responders.
In a statement on Friday, NEMA said essential relief materials have been delivered to those displaced by the flood disaster for immediate succour.
“The relief intervention is part of a swift and comprehensive response by NEMA to the unprecedented flood, which has tragically claimed some lives, damaged homes and affected livelihoods,” NEMA stated via its X handle on Friday.
“In response to the disaster, NEMA activated its Minna Operations Office and deployed additional technical personnel and equipment from its Headquarters in Abuja, including the Director of Search and Rescue, to bolster ongoing operations.”
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The agency further stated that its Search and Rescue Teams from the Minna Operations Office and Headquarters, Abuja, remain on the ground to support ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Red Cross and local volunteers.
It said that equipment deployed includes a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance, Rapid Intervention Vehicles, as well as Mobile Water Treatment and Extrication units.
“NEMA has deployed assorted food items, household utensils, and tents for temporary shelter. The agency’s mobile water treatment equipment is also providing clean drinking water to affected communities.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
