Prepared by: Asmita Dahal, GRIT
Introduction
Flooding occurs frequently and remains one of the most devastating natural disasters in Nigeria, mainly during the rainy season. Due to the recent flood in Mokwa, Niger State, there has been extensive loss of life, displacement, and damage to infrastructure. This report analyses the causes, impacts, and response measures connected with the disaster.
Historical Context of Flooding in Nigeria
Flooding occurs frequently in Nigeria from the past. The major floods were recorded in 2012, 2018, 2022, and 2024 (Health of Mother Earth Foundation, 2025). One of the worst flood occurred in the history of Nigeria was the 2012 flood. Out of 33 states, it had affected 33. More than 2 million people were displaced and more than 400 deaths were reported. Similarly, the Benue and Niger rivers had overflowed in 2018, resulting to flooding in 12 states, including Niger State. The floods that occurred in 2022 were even more severe. More than 600 deaths were reported and more than 2 million people were displaced (United Nations, 2025). The flood of 2024 in Borno State also killed 230 people and displaced an approximate of 600,000 individuals (World Meteorological Organization, 2025).
These historical events suggest that the severity of floods in Nigeria is increasing and the causes are largely attributed to climate change, deforestation, and poor urban planning (Health of Mother Earth Foundation, 2025).
Causes of the Mokwa Flood
The excessive rainfall that started on 29th May, 2025 was the major trigger to the flood in Mokwa. The rainfall led to flash flooding that inundated entire neighborhoods of Mokwa (United Nations, 2025). Nigeria experiences rainy season from the month of April to October. This prolonged rainy season makes the country prone to flooding. Climate change has resulted to rise in temperature and increase in levels of precipitation levels. This has further worsened the severity of floods (World Meteorological Organization, 2025).
Similarly, other reasons for the flood in Nigeria are poor drainage systems and deforestation. There is lack of adequate flood control infrastructure and it has exacerbated the situation. This had led to widespread damage and destruction (Health of Mother Earth Foundation, 2025).
Impacts of the Flood
The catastrophic consequences faced by the residents of Mokwa are as follows:
Loss of Life: More than 150 deaths have been reported, and more than 500 individuals are reported missing (United Nations, 2025).
Displacement: Approximately 3,000 people have been displaced (United Nations, 2025).
Infrastructure Damage: Severe damages of roads, bridges, and homes have been reported and economic activities have been disrupted (Daily Post, 2025).
Health Risks: The floodwaters remaining stagnant in surfaces have increased the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and malaria (World Health Organization, 2025).
Economic Consequences: The scarcity of food and financial instability is seen due to the destruction of farmlands and businesses (Health of Mother Earth Foundation, 2025).
Government and Humanitarian Response
The Nigerian government has initiated several response measures:
Emergency Relief: For the reconstruction of infrastructures and houses, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved N2 billion (Daily Post, 2025).
Humanitarian Aid: The United Nations is aiding medical supplies, temporary shelters, and psychological support for affected people, in collaboration with organizations like WHO, IOM, and UNFPA (United Nations, 2025).
Evacuation and Awareness Campaigns: Evacuation efforts and awareness programs are lunched by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in order to prevent future disasters (Health of Mother Earth Foundation, 2025).
Long-Term Mitigation Strategies
For the mitigation of risks associated with future flooding disasters in Mokwa and other flood-prone areas in Nigeria, various long-term strategies have to be implemented. The strategies are as follows:
Improved Drainage Systems: Investments must be made in building modern drainage infrastructure in order to prevent water stagnation during excessive rainfall (Health of Mother Earth Foundation, 2025).
Reforestation Efforts: Flooding has been worsened in recent years due to large-scale deforestation. Reforestation projects in such areas can help to absorb excess rainwater and reduce overflow (World Meteorological Organization, 2025).
Climate Adaptation Policies: To address the increasing severity of floods, Nigeria must develop and implement effective climate adaptation policies. (United Nations, 2025).
Early Warning Systems: Communities can prepare for floods in time with the strengthened early warning systems (World Health Organization, 2025).
Community Resilience Programs: Casualties and economic destruction can be reduced by educating communities on disaster preparedness and response (Daily Post, 2025).
Conclusion
The recent flood in Mokwa underlines the pressing requirement for proactive disaster management strategies in Nigeria. Immediate relief efforts are underway. However, long-term solutions such as improved drainage systems, reforestation, and climate adaptation policies must be implemented for the prevention of future disasters. Early warning systems must be strengthened and community resilience must be enhanced for mitigating the impact of floods in the region.
References
- Daily Post. (2025, June 4). Mokwa flood: Declare environmental emergency, be proactive – HOMEF to Nigerian Govt. Retrieved from Daily Post
- Health of Mother Earth Foundation. (2025). Environmental impact of flooding in Nigeria. Retrieved from Daily Post
- United Nations. (2025, June 2). Deadly flooding in Nigeria displaces thousands. Retrieved from UN News
- World Health Organization. (2025). Health risks associated with flooding. Retrieved from UN News
- World Meteorological Organization. (2025). Climate change and extreme weather events. Retrieved from UN News