Abuja: A catastrophic flood has engulfed the town of Mokwa in Nigeria's Niger State, claiming at least 151 lives and displacing more than 3,000 residents. The disaster was triggered by torrential rains that began late Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning, leading to the River Niger overflowing its banks and inundating vast areas of the town.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported that over 500 households have been affected, with entire neighborhoods submerged. The Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts are among the worst-hit areas. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams searching for missing persons and providing aid to survivors. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered from the floodwaters.

Infrastructure in Mokwa has suffered significant damage. Key bridges and roads have been destroyed, hampering rescue and relief efforts. The collapse of the Maokwa bridge, a vital link between northern and southwestern Nigeria, has left motorists stranded and disrupted economic activities in the region.

President Bola Tinubu has activated the national emergency response center to coordinate relief efforts and expedite recovery. In a statement, he assured that all necessary measures are being taken to support the victims and restore normalcy.

This disaster underscores the increasing vulnerability of Nigeria to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change. The country has been experiencing erratic rainfall patterns, leading to frequent and severe flooding. Experts emphasize the urgent need for improved flood control infrastructure and disaster preparedness to mitigate the impact of such events in the future.

As the rainy season continues, authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories. The government is also calling for international support to aid in relief and rehabilitation efforts.