Flooding in Nigeria Flattens a Town, Killing at Least 151

Floodwaters from torrential overnight rainfall inundated a town in Nigeria on Friday, killing at least 151 people, according to officials, who said the severity of the flood had taken them by surprise.

The deluge displaced dozens of families and flattened homes and businesses in the town, Mokwa, about 235 miles west of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Mokwa’s central location at the intersection of three major roads has made it a thriving market town, with customers coming from several surrounding villages. The authorities and residents expect the death toll to rise as the floodwaters subside and rescue efforts continue.