News Desk
ABUJA: Central Nigeria is grappling with one of its worst flooding disasters in recent memory, as torrential rains have claimed the lives of at least 151 people and forced more than 3,000 from their homes. Entire communities lie in ruins, with at least 265 houses reported destroyed, leaving families homeless and struggling to piece together what remains of their lives.
The disaster has unfolded against a backdrop of relentless rain that shows no sign of easing. From the capital, Abuja, officials have issued warnings that the heavy downpours are expected to continue in the coming days, stoking fears that the devastation could deepen further. The mighty Niger River, swollen beyond its banks, has swept away numerous individuals, with search and rescue teams urgently combing the floodwaters and debris in a desperate effort to find survivors.
Journalists on the ground paint a grim picture of the unfolding tragedy, warning that the official death toll is likely a severe underestimate. As rescue operations continue amid the widespread destruction, the loss of life could rise two to three times higher, exposing the precariousness of the situation for many vulnerable communities caught in the flood’s path.
Local authorities are overwhelmed, their resources stretched thin as they try to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to those displaced. The scale of the flooding has exposed deep-rooted challenges in infrastructure and disaster preparedness, sparking urgent calls for improved flood management systems to protect lives and livelihoods against the growing threat of extreme weather events.
