Tragedy in Nigeria: Flash Flood Death Toll Climbs to 151

Following flash floods that devastated homes and forced thousands of people to flee their homes earlier this week, at least 151 people have now been confirmed dead in central Nigeria.

Following flooding in the town of Mokwa, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (Nsema) verified to the BBC that the dead toll had increased significantly from 115.

More than 500 families with a population of more than 3,000 were impacted, a Nsema spokesperson told the BBC. According to reports, some families have lost two to five family members, including children.

After victims were washed into the River Niger beneath the town, the agency issued a warning that the death toll would increase.

Eleven individuals had been rescued and sent to hospitals for treatment, according to local police.

According to Nsema, the districts of Mokwa that were most impacted were Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa.

Muhammad Shaba Aliyu, the district chairman of Mokwa, stated that the community has not experienced this type of flooding in 60 years.

According to Mr. Aliyu, "I implore the government to assist us."

However, as families scramble for food and shelter, the extent of the damage seems to be overwhelming the government.

Mokwa, a stopover between northern and southern Nigeria, is situated on the banks of the River Niger.

Drivers are now stranded when a bridge that connected the country's north and southwest collapsed due to flooding.

"All relevant emergency and security agencies to intensify ongoing search and rescue operations" is what Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered.

Torrential rain fell in the region on late Wednesday into Thursday, causing flash floods.

Nigeria's rainy season is just beginning and usually lasts from April to October.

Authorities have warned of heavy downpours in at least 15 of the country's 36 states.