Death toll from Nigeria floods rises to 88

ABUJA -- The death toll from devastating floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Nigeria's north-central Niger State has climbed to at least 88, local authorities said Friday.

Ibrahim Isah Hussaini, head of operations at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, said at least 67 more bodies were recovered during ongoing rescue efforts in the Mokwa area, raising the death toll from 21 reported on Thursday.

"The number keeps rising. But at the last count, 88 bodies have been recovered," Hussaini said during rescue operations, adding that more people remain missing.

Heavy downpours late Wednesday night wreaked havoc across Mokwa, submerging and sweeping away more than 50 residential homes, some with occupants still inside, he told reporters 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 48 hours, with localized downpours also predicted in the southern region.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said 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.