Authorities in Mokwa, Nigeria, are preparing to unearth corpses buried underground to prevent disease outbreaks following devastating floods. District head Muhammadu Aliyu announced this measure as local residents continue to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster.
The floods have wreaked havoc in the area, with many families losing their homes and loved ones. Adamu Yusuf shared a heart-wrenching story of watching his wife and newborn baby swept away by the rushing water. He survived only because he could swim. Another local, Saliu Sulaiman, reported losing approximately $1,500 in cash, which he had earned from selling his farm produce just a day before the floods struck. He felt too frightened to retrieve the money as the water surged around him.
In response to the crisis, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun distributing relief packages to those affected. They also reported that roads and bridges were damaged, disrupting local traffic and the economy. The Nigerian Red Cross highlighted the significant loss of life and the widespread distress caused by the floods in a recent statement.
Flooding is a common occurrence during Nigeria’s rainy season, which lasts from April to October. This year, heavy rains have led to tragic losses and displacement. In 2022, floods claimed over 600 lives and displaced around 1.3 million people. The ongoing situation underscores the vulnerability of many communities to seasonal flooding and the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies.