Weather tracker: Nigeria hit by deadly flooding described as worst in 60 years
GuardianJUN 3
Nigeria Floods: At Least 200 Dead, 500 Missing
Above: A view of a damaged area following the floods caused by heavy rains in Niger, Nigeria on May 31, 2025. Image copyright: Stringer/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The catastrophic flooding in Mokwa is a clear consequence of climate change and inadequate infrastructure. Communities in northern Nigeria have been experiencing prolonged dry spells followed by excessive rainfall, making flooding events 80 times more likely and 20% more intense. Critical flood-control infrastructure is long overdue, and the lack of proper drainage systems has amplified the disaster's impact.
Narrative B
The flooding disaster stems from natural seasonal patterns. Nigeria regularly experiences flooding during its wet season, and Mokwa's location near the River Niger makes it particularly vulnerable. The sudden and intense nature of this flood was unprecedented, catching a community unaccustomed to such severe flooding off guard, suggesting this was an exceptional natural disaster.