Flooding: Averting the Fury of a Natural Disaster
By Abu Benjamin
Taking into cognizance the havoc flooding annually causes in Nigeria, the Daily Trust’s editorial of July 9, 2024, titled “Tackle the Impending Flood Now,” could not have been published at a better time.
The editorial emphasized the need for the federal government, city planners, and citizens to take immediate measures against the looming threat of flooding, in this year raining season.
The editorial also highlighted the devastating potential of floods if proactive steps are not taken, while providing alarming statistics to illustrate the urgency of doing so.
In 2023 alone, estimated damages from floods in Nigeria reached a staggering N2.6 trillion. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that as of October 2023, 157,159 people were affected nationwide, with 68,000 displaced. In April this year, about 148 Local Government Areas across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were identified as being at moderate flood risk. This warning was reiterated recently after deadly floods swept through Trademore Estate in Abuja.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that the blockage of water channels by refuse and illegal constructions is a significant risk factor for flooding. The lack of adequate waste collection and disposal exacerbates this issue, leading to blocked drains and increased flood risk.
There are a lot of awareness campaigns by NEMA among other related agencies towards taking proactive measure to mitigate any likely flooding at this period of rainy season.
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In the light of these, it is necessary to call on relevant authorities to prioritize and and maintain drainage infrastructure to effectively redirect water away from vulnerable areas. This should be done by also implementing structural solutions like levees, dams, and flood walls to contain water during heavy rainfall.
There is the need to also protect and restore natural wetlands which naturally absorb excess water and reduce flood risk. This is just as incorporating green spaces, green roofs, and permeable pavements to absorb rainwater and reduce runoff is vital.
The government should enforce building codes that mandate the use of materials and designs that can withstand floodwater, minimizing damage. It should equally establish effective systems to alert communities of impending floods, facilitating timely evacuations and preparations.
There is the need to raise awareness among residents about flood risks, preparation, and response to minimize damage and ensure safety.
More importantly, concerned communities should regularly inspect and maintain their flood-protection infrastructure to ensure their effectiveness.
Not only government, citizens should prevent future flood incidents by identifying and clearing waterways in their surroundings.
Effective drainage systems should be provided for flood prevention, property and environmental protection:
Investing in robust drainage systems can provide these benefits, creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities.
In the face of ravaging climate change, the path forward demands urgent and collective action. The measures outlined above are not just recommendations, but necessities that can transform our Nigerian cities, towns and communities into resilient bastions against the fury of natural disasters.
Abu Benjamin, a Mass Communication student of Veritas University Abuja, interns at PRNigeria Centre Abuja
