Tragedy Strikes North-Central Nigeria: Urgent Action Needed to Prevent More Deaths
Heartbreaking news has emerged from north-central Nigeria, where over 150 people have lost their lives in devastating floods. Emergency responders are on the ground, working tirelessly to assist the more than 3,000 displaced persons. However, experts warn that more must be done to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The town of Mokwa, located 380 kilometers west of Nigeria’s capital Abuja, was hit hardest by the catastrophic flood. The sudden and intense deluge, triggered by predawn rain, engulfed the town within hours, leaving residents stranded in waist-deep water with roofs barely visible.
At least 500 households in three communities were affected, with two roads and two bridges washed away. President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences and activated emergency response measures to aid victims and expedite recovery efforts. Security agencies have been mobilized to assist in ongoing rescue operations, as the search for survivors continues.
Meteorologists are forecasting more rain in the coming days, raising concerns of further flooding in the region. Climate change has exacerbated the situation, with prolonged dry spells followed by intense rainfall leading to severe flooding during the brief wet season.
Despite the annual occurrence of flooding in Nigeria, little progress has been made in implementing preventive measures. A flood risk analyst from the University of Nigeria highlighted the urgent need for political action to address the growing risks posed by climate change.
Last year alone, over 1,200 people lost their lives and millions were displaced due to similar disasters across Nigeria. It is crucial that proactive steps are taken to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of life.
(Source: AP and other agencies)
