At least 117 people have died in Nigeria’s Niger State due to severe flooding, according to state authorities. The catastrophe has been described as one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region in recent years.
The announcement was made by Ahmed Ibrahim Inga, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), who confirmed that the rising floodwaters have devastated multiple communities. Torrential rains triggered widespread flooding, destroying homes, farmlands, and public infrastructure across several local government areas.
Speaking to local media on Friday, Inga said the death toll had increased following the discovery of more bodies and additional casualty reports from affected areas. Emergency teams are still conducting search and rescue operations in the worst-hit communities.
The flooding began earlier in the week following relentless rainfall that caused rivers to overflow. Many residents were caught unprepared as floodwaters surged into their homes, sweeping away people and belongings.
“We have lost 117 lives as of today, and this figure could rise as rescue efforts continue,” Inga stated. “Hundreds of people have been displaced, and many communities are inaccessible due to submerged roads.”
Authorities have set up temporary shelters for displaced residents while distributing emergency supplies such as food, water, and medical aid. The Niger State government has also appealed for federal assistance to support the growing number of victims and help rebuild affected areas.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and desperation as families attempted to flee the rising waters. Videos circulating on social media show houses submerged in water and residents wading through floodwaters carrying children and meager belongings.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been briefed on the disaster and is expected to issue a statement or visit the affected region soon, according to government sources.
Environmental experts and humanitarian groups have called for urgent action to improve Nigeria’s flood preparedness and climate resilience. They argue that poor urban planning, inadequate drainage systems, and deforestation have worsened the impact of seasonal rains across the country.
Flooding is a recurring problem in Nigeria, especially during the annual rainy season, but this year’s disaster in Niger State is among the most severe. Relief efforts are now focused on preventing the outbreak of disease and providing psychological support to traumatized survivors.
Niger State officials are urging residents in flood-prone zones to evacuate and cooperate with emergency personnel. The state government is also assessing the long-term damages to critical infrastructure, including roads, schools, and health centers.
As rescue teams continue their efforts, residents across Nigeria are being warned to stay alert for further heavy rainfall and potential flash floods in the coming days.
Source; TimesLIVE
