Floods Kill Over 150, Displace 3,000 in Nigeria's Niger State

Severe flash floods caused by torrential rains in Mokwa, a riverside town in Niger State, Nigeria, have resulted in at least 151 confirmed deaths, with the toll expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The disaster displaced over 3,000 people, destroyed 265 homes, and washed away two critical bridges, including the Mokwa Bridge, which has disrupted transportation and trade routes linking northern and southwestern Nigeria. Officials describe this as the worst flooding in 60 years for the area, with entire households lost and many victims including children. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered intensified rescue operations and assured federal support, while emergency responders including the Nigerian Red Cross, military, police, and volunteers are providing aid to affected communities. The flooding highlights the broader challenges Nigeria faces with seasonal rains, poor infrastructure, and climate change, which experts say are intensifying the frequency and severity of such disasters. Authorities continue to monitor weather forecasts anticipating more rainfall and urge ongoing vigilance and aid for displaced residents and those still missing.