53 dead in Nigeria floods

ABUJA - At least 53 people have died and over 35,000 displaced as floods triggered by torrential rains submerged 23 villages in a southern state in Nigeria, an official said.

“Some of the victims are missing. We just got information that 53 dead bodies were seen around Argungu in Kebbi state and majority of them are suspected to be from this area,” Zubairu Yari, chairman of the local government of Goronyo area in Sokoto state, was quoted as saying Wednesday by Xinhua.

“I have personally seen three dead bodies of women with their dead children strapped on their backs. It is very catastrophic,” he said.