Amnesty International has issued an urgent appeal to Nigerian authorities following catastrophic floods in Mokwa, Niger State, which have claimed over 200 lives and left more than 500 people missing.

In a statement released on Tuesday via their social media platform X, the human rights organization warned that without proper preparation for future floods, the death toll could rise even further.

"Emergency response plans must be people-centered. They should include safe evacuation routes, trained search and rescue teams, locations of emergency services, and clear lines of communication," Amnesty stated.

Call for Proactive Measures

The organization emphasized that both federal and state governments must act swiftly by identifying flood-prone areas, issuing timely warnings, and educating communities on safety protocols before, during, and after flooding events.

Amnesty International highlighted the alarming fact that 32 states across Nigeria are currently categorized as high-risk areas for flooding this year, underscoring the need for stronger and more proactive efforts to safeguard lives and property.

The devastating floods in Mokwa have already prompted emergency response efforts, with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) continuing recovery operations. Recent reports indicate that NSEMA has recovered five additional bodies, bringing the confirmed death toll to 158, though Amnesty International's figures suggest the actual number may be significantly higher.

Growing Humanitarian Crisis

The disaster has created a humanitarian crisis in the affected communities, with hundreds of families displaced and vital infrastructure damaged. Local authorities are struggling to provide adequate relief materials to survivors who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Environmental experts have linked the increasing frequency and severity of floods in Nigeria to climate change, deforestation, and poor urban planning. These factors, combined with inadequate drainage systems and unregulated construction in flood plains, have exacerbated the impact of heavy rainfall.

As rescue and recovery efforts continue in Mokwa, the call for comprehensive disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies grows more urgent, with Amnesty International's intervention adding international pressure on Nigerian authorities to take decisive action.