Death toll from floods in central Nigeria rises to 151

ABUJA -- The death toll from devastating floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Nigeria's central state of Niger has climbed to at least 151, local authorities said on Saturday.

Ibrahim Hussaini, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, told Xinhua by telephone that over 50 more bodies were recovered on Saturday in the Mokwa area, where the disaster occurred.

Hussaini said 11 injured people were rescued and sent to a nearby hospital. "So far, 318 people have been affected, and at least 503 households have also been impacted."

He added that the search for bodies is ongoing, with local divers and volunteers assisting in the rescue operation.

Heavy downpours late Wednesday night wreaked havoc across Mokwa, submerging and sweeping away scores of residential homes, some with occupants still inside, Hussaini told reporters on Thursday.

Earlier this week, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency issued forecasts warning of thunderstorms and heavy rains in the country's central region, including Niger. More rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours, with localized downpours also predicted in the southern region.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on Tuesday that it had intensified efforts to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding nationwide.

Speaking at a national sensitization campaign on flood preparedness, Zubaida Umar, director general of NEMA, urged all levels of government to invest in drainage systems, dams, and flood-resilient infrastructure in riverine areas.