Deadly floods hit Niger communities as many houses wash away

At least 21 people have been confirmed dead and more than 10 others are missing after a devastating floods swept through Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa local government area (LGA) of Niger state.

Abdullahi Arah, director-general of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) announced the tragic incident in a statement issued on Thursday.

The flood, which followed several hours of heavy rainfall on Wednesday night, submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.

“NSEMA is in receipt of report of a deadly flood disaster that ravaged two communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town of Mokwa LGA,” the statement read.

“The incidence occurred last night during a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours. The surging flood water submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.”

Arah said the agency, in collaboration with the Mokwa local government authority, local divers, and volunteers, launched a search and rescue operation immediately after the flood.

“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,” he said.

According to him, three survivors, including a woman and her two children, were rescued and are currently receiving treatment for wounds and shock at the Mokwa General Hospital.

“21 corpses have so far been recovered of those who sadly lost their lives in the incidence while over 10 persons are still missing as search and rescue operation is still ongoing,” the statement added.