Niger Communities Battle Stench From Decaying Corpses After Devastating Floods
Niger State residents are grappling with foul odours from decaying flood victims nearly two weeks after catastrophic flooding killed around 200 people. As burial efforts reveal more corpses, health concerns rise. The government has pledged over N3 billion to assist in recovery, but community members urge quicker action amidst ongoing distress.
In the aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, communities are struggling with the lingering smell of decaying corpses. Almost two weeks following the disaster, residents report strong odours emanating from flood victims trapped beneath sand and debris. This scent has raised severe health concerns among the population, serving as a constant reminder of the tragedy.
The floods on May 28 and 29 were devastating, drowning an estimated 200 people. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported that more than 50 homes were washed away, impacting over 3,000 individuals and affecting around 503 households. The death toll has so far reached 161 identified and recovered bodies, with many others still believed to be missing.
As the water has receded, concerns have intensified regarding the recovery of remaining corpses. Esther Nwanosike, a food vendor in Mokwa, expressed her distress about the pervasive smell, which worsens with the wind. She worried about the potential health implications for her customers. “The smell is overwhelming… The government needs to take action before we all fall ill,” Nwanosike stated.
Another resident, Alhassan Kolo, shared similar sentiments, noting that some of the decaying bodies had become unrecognizable. “Some of the bodies we recovered, you can’t even recognize them anymore due to decay,” he said. He lamented that while they dig through the sand for property and corpses, the stench continues to permeate the air.
Ahmed Yusuf added his voice to the concern, saying, “I pray the government acts quickly to stop this. The stench is choking us,” highlighting the urgency of recovering missing persons. Many residents are reportedly hesitant to stay in the internally displaced persons camps, with some expressing disbelief over the extent of the devastation. According to Salihu Ishaq, “Since I was born, I have never seen this kind of flood.”
In response to the disaster, the Federal Government announced a financial commitment of N2 billion, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to support rehabilitation efforts. Simultaneously, the Niger State government has pledged N1 billion for similar initiatives. However, Amina Abubakar, a resident mourning her lost family, stated, “Most people have lost everything… the government should come in immediately, it is very urgent.”
Idris Ibrahim, the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, acknowledged the situation regarding the stench and assured that a team was working diligently to address it. “Officials are working round the clock to ensure that the smell issue is addressed,” he noted.
Hussein Ibrahim, spokesman for NSEMA, was unavailable for comment, having been in transit. Meanwhile, the Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, provided an update indicating that a recovery body was found on June 4.
Manzo Ezekiel, from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), emphasized a collective effort between federal and state authorities to support recovery and rehabilitation for flood victims. “There’s significant commitment by all parties involved to assist the community and survivors of the disaster,” he stated. He also pointed out that the unpleasant odour could be a combination of decomposing bodies and human waste from exposed sanitation facilities after the floods.
On a broader note, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago suggested the flooding could be linked to waters from Niger Republic. “We don’t even know where the waters are coming from, whether there’s an overflow from the Niger Republic or other parts of Africa,” he remarked. The governor also called for proactive measures to relocate communities vulnerable to flooding disasters. In light of this tragedy, the visit from the Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who announced a donation of N300 million, was acknowledged as a timely act of support against what has been labeled a “disastrous” situation.
The residents of Mokwa Local Government Area are facing severe health risks due to the lingering stench of decaying corpses in the wake of catastrophic flooding. The community continues to seek intervention from the government, emphasizing the urgent need for recovery efforts and aid. With significant donations announced from both the Federal and State Governments, there is hope for a coordinated response to this disaster, yet the depth of loss and ongoing health concerns loom large. Residents call for swifter action to address the remnants of the flood and the safety of their community.
Original Source: punchng.com
