The death toll after the floods submerges the city of Nigeria rises to 151 as thousands moved

At least 151 people have been confirmed dead after heavy rains unleashed floods in a market city in the center-norte of NigeriaLocal emergency services told The News on Saturday.

More than 3,000 people were displaced by floods in the city of Mokwa in the state of Niger, more than 180 miles west of Abuja, said the capital of the most populous nation in Africa, said the spokesman of the emergency agency of the state of Niger, Ibrahim Audu Husseini.

At least 500 homes in three communities were affected in the predominant rain on Friday, leaving the roofs barely visible and residents to the waist in water, Husseini added.

The communities in northern Nigeria have experienced prolonged dry spells worsened by climate change and excessive rainfall that leads to severe floods during the brief wet season.

Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, said he has directed the activation of the National Emergency Response Center to quickly help the State.

“Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and all relevant federal agencies have mobilized to support state government efforts,” Tinubu said in a night message. “The relief materials and the temporary assistance of the shelter are being deployed without delay. We will make sure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or not heard.”

The residents were mourning the dead on Saturday when some expected news of their loved ones even without answering. They also regretted the destruction caused in the city, an important meeting point where southern merchants buy beans, onions and other foods from farmers in the north.

“We lost many lives and properties, our agricultural products. Those who have their storage have lost it,” said resident Kazeem Muhammed.

• Nigeria
• Africa
• Flood