The recent cases of flooding devastating several communities across Nigeria are not isolated incidents, but recurring disasters deeply rooted in both natural occurrences and human activities.
Each year, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, diligently publish the Annual Flood Outlook, AFO, and the Seasonal Climate Prediction.
These reports are intended to provide governments and the public, with valuable insights into impending weather patterns and climate-related risks.
Over time, these early warning systems have served as critical resources for emergency responders, helping to protect lives and secure vital national infrastructure.
The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook released in April, identified 148 local government areas in 31 states across Nigeria as high-risk flood zones for the year.
This risk period spans from April to November, with the identified areas, including parts of Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, amongst others.
These regions are highly vulnerable to significant flood impacts, with risks posed to local populations, agriculture, livelihoods, infrastructure, and environmental systems.
In addition to these high-risk zones, the report also projected moderate flood impacts across 249 LGAs in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The forecast indicated specific timeframes for potential flooding, with parts of 63 LGAs at risk between April and June, 221 LGAs facing flood threats from July to September, and another 100 LGAs at risk between October and November.
Despite the early warnings, flooding has continued to wreak havoc across many parts of Nigeria, becoming an almost annual catastrophe.
One of the major challenges in addressing perennial flooding in Nigeria is the inadequate response from government authorities at all levels. While early warnings from agencies like NiMet and NIHSA are vital, they often fail to translate into actionable measures on the ground. Negligence, dereliction of duty, and a lack of proper flood control measures have exacerbated the flooding crisis in the country.
In many cases, local and state governments have failed to implement effective flood mitigation strategies, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to flood risks year after year.
Poor environmental management also plays a significant role in worsening flood conditions. In many towns and cities, drainage systems are poorly maintained, often clogged with waste and debris, preventing the free flow of water during heavy rains.
The lack of a comprehensive and sustainable waste disposal system leads to garbage accumulation in waterways, further increasing the risk of flooding. Additionally, the uncontrolled urban sprawl in flood-prone areas, coupled with the construction of buildings and structures along floodplains, contributes to the persistent flood challenges.
The recent flooding in Borno State is a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerabilities. On September 9, 2024, Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, was overwhelmed by a devastating flash flood that submerged over 70% of the city.
The initial cause of the flood was attributed to the Alau Dam breaking its banks due to excessive rainfall, which caused the water level to rise beyond its carrying capacity. With more than two-thirds of the city underwater, over a million residents were displaced, and at least 47 lives were lost.
Many of the displaced persons are now taking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons Camps scattered across the city.
Health experts are also raising alarms about the potential for a waterborne epidemic in the aftermath of the flooding. The accumulation of stagnant water, coupled with poor sanitation conditions in overcrowded IDP camps, creates the perfect environment for the spread of cholera, typhoid, dysentery, pneumonia, malaria, and leptospirosis.
These diseases, often associated with flooding, could lead to further loss of life if preventive measures are not implemented swiftly.
The displacement of farming communities and the destruction of crops pose significant risks to the nation’s food supply chain. This situation is further complicated by ongoing insecurity in many regions, where farmers are unable to access their fields due to banditry and violence.
With the recent spate of flooding in multiple states, it is clear that food security will be a significant challenge in the coming months. Many farming communities have been devastated by floods, losing their crops and livestock, which are essential for both local consumption and economic stability.
To address the recurring flooding crisis, the Nigerian government must take a multi-faceted and proactive approach. First and foremost, there must be a concerted effort to implement flood prevention mechanisms well in advance of the rainy season.
Sustainable land management practices must also be prioritized, particularly in areas prone to flooding. This includes limiting construction in floodplains and regulating urban development to prevent encroachments on natural watercourses.
The dredging of rivers and waterways should be conducted periodically to remove sediment and debris that impede water flow, reducing the risk of rivers overflowing during periods of heavy rainfall.
The Nigerian government should also consider river channelization, which involves modifying river courses by widening or deepening them to improve water flow, as this can significantly reduce flooding risks, especially in regions where natural waterways are prone to blockages.
Finally, community education and awareness campaigns are vital to promoting environmentally responsible practices that reduce flood risks. Public participation in maintaining clean drainage systems, proper waste disposal, and preventing harmful activities that contribute to flooding is crucial.
By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, communities can play a proactive role in mitigating the impact of floods.
