Abuja, May 30 (UNI) At least 21 bodies have been recovered, and 10 others remain missing after torrential rainfalls triggered severe flooding in Nigeria's north-central state of Niger, local authorities said Thursday.
Ibrahim Hussaini, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, told reporters that three people were rescued after the torrential downpour late Wednesday caused widespread destruction in the Mokwa area.
More than 50 residential houses were submerged and swept away, some with occupants still inside, Hussaini said, adding that a rescue operation is underway for the 10 missing.
Earlier this week, Zubaida Umar, director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency, said efforts were underway to mitigate the impact of flooding across the country this year.
Speaking during a national sensitisation campaign on flood preparedness, Umar urged all levels of government to invest in drainage systems, dams, and flood-resilient infrastructure in riverine areas.
UNI XINHUA ARN