Deadly Flash Floods Leave Trail of Destruction; Thousands Displaced

Mokwa, Nigeria — June 1, 2025 — More than 150 people have been confirmed dead and thousands displaced after catastrophic flooding devastated the town of Mokwa in Niger State, north-central Nigeria, officials and relief organizations confirmed on Saturday.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society reported that search and rescue teams have fanned out across the affected areas, with bodies being recovered as far as 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the town’s center. The floodwaters, triggered by several days of torrential rainfall, caused widespread destruction.

Over 250 Buildings Destroyed, Bridges Swept Away

According to Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the floods demolished more than 250 structures and washed away two major bridges, severely hampering emergency response efforts.

“It’s one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in recent memory,” Husseini told AFP. “Entire families have been displaced, and infrastructure critical to daily life is in ruins.”

Anguwar Hausawa Gangari Community Severely Affected

One of the hardest-hit areas was the Anguwar Hausawa Gangari community, where rubble from collapsed homes serves as a stark reminder of the flood’s ferocity. Photos from the scene show widespread devastation, with residents sifting through debris in search of belongings and missing loved ones.

Thousands Displaced Amid Humanitarian Emergency

Initial estimates suggest several thousand residents have been forced from their homes, prompting calls for immediate humanitarian assistance. Relief agencies are working around the clock to provide emergency shelter, clean water, and medical aid.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has mobilized resources and is collaborating with local authorities to support ongoing rescue operations and aid distribution.

Climate Change and Poor Infrastructure Cited

Experts say Nigeria’s worsening flood disasters are linked to climate change, deforestation, and poor urban planning, which have made towns like Mokwa more vulnerable to seasonal storms and river overflow.

Environmental and disaster preparedness advocates are urging the government to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and better early-warning systems to prevent future tragedies.

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