What Are the Impacts of the Recent Floods in Central Nigeria?

Abuja, June 3 (NationPress) With nearly 200 confirmed deaths, officials in Nigeria's north-central Niger State continue to seek over 1,000 individuals feared to have been carried away by catastrophic floods caused by intense rainfall in the past week.

The heavy rains on Wednesday night devastated Mokwa, a vibrant market and agricultural hub in Niger, drowning numerous homes, some with residents still inside, as reported by local authorities.

Yakubu Garba, the Deputy Governor of Niger, informed the press late Monday that even after a week of rescue operations, hundreds remain untraceable.

"Currently, we have no idea where they are. Those people have been swept away by water. Our house-to-house surveys indicate that the number of missing individuals exceeds 1,000," Garba stated, noting that the flooding has displaced more than 3,000 individuals, impacted at least 2,000 properties, washed away roads, and led to the collapse of three bridges.

One of the most pressing issues, Garba emphasized, is the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the missing, whose families are anxiously searching for them.

Ibrahim Hussaini, a spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, reported to Xinhua over the weekend that over 503 households have been affected. The search for additional bodies continues, with local divers and volunteers aiding in the efforts.

Some community members speculate that the flooding may have been exacerbated by the release of water from a nearby dam, although officials have not confirmed this.

"This situation is deeply tragic, with many families devastated and survivors sharing heart-wrenching stories of loss," Amina Yahaya, a resident from a nearby town, told Xinhua.

The floods in central Nigeria, including the Mokwa calamity, stem from a complicated array of factors. The nation frequently experiences severe flooding during the rainy season, which typically spans six months, starting in March and intensifying by mid-May, particularly in the northern areas.

Local experts indicate that climate change has resulted in more erratic and intense rainfall patterns, overwhelming existing drainage systems and the land's natural ability to absorb water in many regions of Africa's most populous country, according to Xinhua.

Last Tuesday, the National Emergency Management Agency announced that it had intensified efforts to mitigate the effects of seasonal flooding, urging all levels of government to invest in drainage infrastructure, dams, and flood-resistant facilities in vulnerable areas.