By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu
It has become a ritual that, close to the rainy season, the federal government, through respective authorities, usually issues alerts warning state governments and residents about impending floods in vulnerable areas.
These alerts and predictions aim to prompt appropriate proactive measures to mitigate the menace of this humaninduced and natural form of disaster bedeviling our environments. During the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) predicted that 31 states with 148 local government areas (LGAs) are within high flood risk areas.
Read Also: NEMA distributes food items donated by Saudi Arabia to 2,056 households in Kano
Additionally, 35 states, including the FCT, with 249 LGAs, are considered to fall within moderate flood risk areas. The remaining 377 LGAs are forecasted for low flood risk areas. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the NIHSA predicted that floods in high-risk areas will occur between April and November.
Addressing stakeholders at the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) meeting in May on the need for proactive measures against the predicted 2024 flood disaster, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, highlighted the importance of early warning backed by early action to mitigate the impact of disasters.
Notwithstanding, Nigeria has faced the recurring challenge of flooding, particularly during the rainy season. The impact of these floods has been devastating, affecting lives, properties, and the economy. The most devastating of all these floods was in 2012, when countless lives were lost and many properties were destroyed.
Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: Jigawa communities rebuild houses destroyed by flood despite relocation warnings
Flooding in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue, driven by both natural and human-induced factors. The primary natural cause is heavy rainfall, which overwhelms the drainage systems in many urban areas.
Human activities exacerbate these natural causes. Urbanisation, with inadequate planning and poor drainage systems, contribute significantly to the problem. Many cities have outdated or poorly maintained drainage systems, which are often clogged with waste, preventing the efficient flow of water.
Deforestation and land degradation also play crucial roles, reducing the land’s ability to absorb water, leading to surface runoff that causes floods. In response to these threats, NEMA has been implementing a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impact of floods.
A key component of this strategy is the enhancement of early warning systems. NEMA leverages advanced technologies and real-time data to provide timely alerts to vulnerable communities. This allows for better preparation and quicker response times, potentially saving lives and reducing damage.
Before the beginning of every rainy season, NEMA always intensifies its community sensitisation campaigns. These campaigns aim to educate residents in flood-prone areas about the risks and preventive measures they can take.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining clear drainage systems and proper waste disposal, these programmes foster a culture of preparedness and community responsibility. The involvement of local leaders and stakeholders is crucial in ensuring that these messages reach a broad audience. Addressing the issue of flooding requires a collaborative approach.
Meanwhile, reducing the occurrence of floods also involves improving urban drainage infrastructure. NEMA advocates for the desilting of drainage systems, the construction of flood barriers, and the incorporation of flood-resistant designs in urban planning.
These measures, combined with strict enforcement of environmental regulations, can significantly reduce the risk of flooding. Adequate funding and political will are essential for the successful implementation of these infrastructure projects. Government policy support is vital for effective flood mitigation.
Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu, a youth corps member with the Centre for Crisis Communication, can be reached via abdulhamidabdullahiali@ gmail.com.
