NEMA and 2024 Flood Alerts: Towards Disaster Mitigation
By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu
It has become a ritual tradition 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 human-induced 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.
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.
“The prediction informed that in April, May, and June, 25 states and 72 local government areas (LGAs) are within flood-high-risk areas, indicating heightened vulnerability to flooding. This vulnerability is said to persist into subsequent months of July to September with 33 states and 135 LGAs identified as high-risk areas, while the period between October and November has 19 states and 44 LGAs,” she said.
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.
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. Urbanization, with inadequate planning and poor drainage systems, contributes 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 Many cities have outdated or poorly maintained drainage systems, which are often clogged with waste, preventing the efficient flow of water.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 sensitization campaigns. These campaigns aim to educate residents in flood-prone areas about the risks and preventive measures they can take.
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Emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear drainage systems and proper waste disposal, these programs 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.
NEMA works closely with state emergency management agencies, local governments, and international partners to ensure a unified and effective response. This collaboration extends to training and capacity-building exercises for emergency responders and community leaders, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle flood emergencies.
It is against this inter-agency collaboration that NEMA recently allied with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a critical stakeholder in the emergency response situation in Nigeria, to mitigate the menace posed by floods during the rainy season.
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.
Strengthening policies related to urban planning, waste management, and environmental protection can lead to sustainable improvements. Effective implementation and enforcement of these policies require concerted efforts from all levels of government and active participation from the public.
Furthermore, investment in technology plays a crucial role in disaster mitigation. Real-time monitoring and predictive analytics can enhance early warning systems, allowing for more accurate predictions and timely interventions.
Utilizing drones for aerial surveys and mapping flood-prone areas can provide valuable data for planning and response efforts. By harnessing technological advancements, NEMA can improve its ability to predict and respond to flooding events more effectively.
In another dimension, community engagement is essential for the success of flood mitigation strategies. Active participation from residents in maintaining and protecting their local environment can make a significant difference.
Regular community clean-up activities, proper waste disposal practices, and adherence to environmental guidelines are simple yet effective measures that can prevent blockages in drainage systems and reduce flood risks. Engaged and informed communities are better equipped to handle emergencies and mitigate the impact of floods.
In addition to immediate responses, long-term solutions are necessary to address the root causes of flooding. Afforestation and reforestation initiatives can help restore natural landscapes and improve the land’s ability to absorb water. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices can also reduce soil erosion and enhance water retention.
These long-term strategies contribute to building a more resilient environment capable of withstanding heavy rainfall and minimizing flood risks. As Nigeria faces the impending flood season, the collective efforts of NEMA, government agencies, and local communities are crucial to minimizing the impact of floods.
Through proactive measures, community engagement, and sustainable practices, Nigeria can build a more resilient future, ready to face the challenges of climate change and environmental disasters. The nation stands united, determined to safeguard lives and livelihoods from the relentless threat of flooding.
Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu, a youth corps member with the Centre for Crisis Communication, can be reached via [email protected].
