Niger Flood Disaster: Death Toll Hits 117 as Devastating Flash Floods Leave Trail of Destruction
By Public Eye News | May 30, 2025
A devastating flash flood disaster has struck Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, leaving a trail of destruction and death in its wake. The death toll from the disaster has surpassed 117, with many more feared dead or missing. The floods, triggered by torrential rains, submerged dozens of communities, washing away homes, livelihoods, and lives.
Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of utter despair as families were swept away by the raging floodwaters. An AFP journalist on the ground in Mokwa painted a grim picture of displaced children wading through contaminated waters, while residents searched through wreckage for missing relatives. “Some bodies were recovered from the rubble of collapsed homes. We need excavators to reach others still trapped underneath,” said Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
Experts warn that Nigeria’s worsening climate conditions and poor infrastructure have increased the risk and impact of flooding. Inadequate drainage systems, poor urban planning, and construction along waterways, as well as indiscriminate dumping of waste into water channels, have all contributed to the disaster. “Nigeria is now experiencing more intense rainfall patterns due to global climate change, while urban sprawl and blocked drainage systems exacerbate flooding risks,” said a climate expert.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had warned of heavy rains and flash floods in several states, including Niger, but these warnings often go unheeded due to lack of enforcement, poor emergency preparedness, and limited community awareness. This is not the first time Nigeria has experienced devastating floods, with over 1,200 lives lost and 1.2 million displaced across 31 states in 2024 alone, according to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) data.
Emergency teams, local divers, and community volunteers are combing through debris and waterways in search of survivors and victims. Authorities have called for urgent support from the federal government to provide relief materials, temporary shelters, and mobile clinics for displaced families.
Environmental advocates and disaster management professionals are calling for:
Nationwide investment in climate-resilient infrastructure
Strict enforcement of zoning laws to prevent building on floodplains
Community-based disaster awareness campaigns
As rains continue across the country, more states may face similar disasters unless proactive steps are taken. The Mokwa tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to build resilience and mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters.
Public Eye News is committed to providing timely and accurate reporting on the Niger flood disaster. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on this developing story.
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