More than 700 people are feared dead after catastrophic floods swept through the Nigerian town of Mokwa on May 29, with officials confirming over 200 fatalities and at least 500 people still missing, the BBC informed. Rescue efforts have been called off, as authorities no longer believe survivors will be found.
The disaster, described as the region's worst in 60 years, followed days of torrential rain that inundated the Mokwa districts of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa.
In the aftermath, officials have warned of serious public health risks and plan to exhume bodies buried beneath the floodwaters to prevent the spread of disease.
Heavy rainfall in recent years has left hundreds dead or unaccounted for in some of the worst floodings in decades. Sadly, these extreme weather events really are becoming more frequent with climate change, though the phenomena is nothing new. History has recorded some truly terrifying floods—natural disasters that have killed thousands and destroyed homes and livelihoods.
Click through and be reminded of some of the worst floods on record.