Flooding: 21 dead, scores missing as flood ravaged Niger

Severe flooding resulting from a torrential rainfall has wrecked havoc in Mokwa local government area of Niger state where scores have been declared swept off.

In the devastating flooding which occured late night on Tuesday caught most residents and commuters unawares, hence the gravity of the loss of lives and properties.

Two communities mostly affected are Tiffin maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town of Mokwa.  

It was gathered that fifty houses have been confirmed to have been Submerged  with the whereabout of their occupants yet unknown.

Besides the scores swept off, some vehicles, both commercial, private and trucks were also trapped and the drivers and passengers were also seen floating in the ravaging flood without any rescue coming to them.

The torrential rainfall lasted for several hours into yesterday morning.

So far, 21 corpses including a woman and her two children are said to have been rescued while scores are still declared missing. 

The woman, her children and others injured are now at the Mokwa General hospital receiving treatment.

A statement signed by Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji  Abdullahi Baba Arah confirmed the incident.

"There was a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours and the surging flood water submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants. 

"In response, the Agency  in collaboration with Mokwa LG Authority, local divers and very brave volunteers are conducting search and rescue operation to rescue survivors and recover corpses . 

"At present, 3 survivors (a woman and her 2 children) are receiving treatment for wounds and shock at Mokwa General Hospital and 21 corpses have sofar been recovered of those who sadly lost their lives in the incidence while search and rescue operation is still ongoing," the DG declared.

Meanwhile, the State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has  sympathized with the people of Mokwa Local Government Area over the devastating flood in the Area that led to the loss of many lives and property.

The governor in a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as saddening, heartbreaking and pathetic, especially with the resultant loss of many lives and property.

He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those that lost their lives and property in the unfortunate incident, and prays that Allah will grant the deceased Aljanna Firdausi as well as grant quick recovery to the injured.

He directed the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant stakeholders to take immediate actions while assessing the situation to ascertain the level of destruction with the view to bringing succour.

He called on the people of Mokwa to remain calm as the State Government will work tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone.