Heavy rainfall and catastrophic flooding have struck Mokwa, a bustling market town in Niger State, Nigeria, killing at least 151 people and displacing approximately 3,000 residents.
The torrential downpour began early Thursday, submerging homes, markets, and major roads in the town, which serves as a vital trading and transportation hub west of Abuja. Mokwa is a key center for the trade of beans, onions, and other staple foods, and the flooding has disrupted supply chains, raising fears of food shortages in the region. By Friday, the death toll had surged from an initial 21 to over 100 as emergency workers struggled to reach victims trapped in the rapidly rising waters.
The disaster has left the town in chaos, with entire neighborhoods underwater and survivors forced to flee to higher ground. Rescue efforts have been hampered by blocked roads and damaged infrastructure, leaving many stranded without food, clean water, or medical assistance. Local officials warn that the death toll could climb further as search operations continue, with fears that more bodies may be recovered once floodwaters recede. The Nigerian Red Cross and other aid agencies are working to provide relief, but the scale of the devastation has overwhelmed local resources.
The flooding in Mokwa is the latest in a series of climate-related disasters to hit Nigeria, where poor drainage systems, deforestation, and rapid urbanization have worsened the impact of extreme weather. Experts warn that such events will become more frequent and severe due to climate change, underscoring the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and infrastructure. For now, grieving families and displaced residents face an uncertain future, with many having lost not only loved ones but also their homes and livelihoods in one of Nigeria’s worst flooding incidents this year.
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