Environment
Unfortunately, in spite of the predictions of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NHSA, and the warnings to communities along the coastal regions and those living on lowlands in 32 states to take adequate precautionary measures, there are already reports by NEMA of deaths and displacement of thousands of families. The federal and state governments should therefore take adequate measures to alleviate the suffering of the communities already affected by flooding and ensure the evacuation of persons living in flood prone areas of the country to avert the impending disasters.
By Anthony Isibor
THE 2023 flood that is currently ravaging several communities have not come as a surprise as various agencies of government and other stakeholders had warned of imminent danger of this year’s flooding and called for precautionary measures to avert loss of lives and properties.
Early in March 2023, Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, warned that Nigeria would be witnessing severe flooding this year as predicted by relevant agencies.
In the same vein, Clement Nze, Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NHSA, announced that 178 LGAs in 32 States and the FCT would experience severe flooding in 2023.
Although Ahmed had urged those living around water channels and floodplains to take precautionary measures, which included relocation, but this year’s flooding is affecting many parts of the country as well as several other countries. And there are daily reports of devastations caused by flooding. There are cases of houses and farmlands destroyed, while many communities are sacked and dozens of lives lost to flooding.
Meanwhile, NEMA had in August reported that about 33,983 persons had been affected by the 2023 flooding. Fatima Kasim, Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting of the Agency, who disclosed this during NEMA’s Emergency Coordination Forum noted that those affected were residents of 10 states.
“As at August 9, 2023, the following data has been collated in respect of 2023 flooding: Number of states affected – 10 states; Number of persons affected – 33,983; Number of persons displaced – 7,353; Number of persons injured – 75; Number of deaths – 5; Number of houses totally damaged – 1,679 and Farmlands totally damaged – 866 hectares,” she said.
And recently, Kenren Pere, Councillor representing Ogbinbiri ward 18, in Asigborodo Community said that not less than five riverine communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta had been sacked by flood.
Pere said that the affected communities were Torukubuagbene, Awanba, Koropigbene, Itagbene and Asigborodo as well as some adjourning communities. According to him, the incident began more than a week ago and the situation became worse on Friday. Which Friday, No date?
Pere, who appealed for urgent interventions by the state government, warned that the lives of his people are at stake.
He added that lives are at stake as people can no longer go about their normal daily activities to feed.
“So there is hunger in the affected communities. The overflow started more than a week ago, but the situation became worse three days ago, leaving my people in fear,
“Rain has been falling before, but we have never had it this bad. Many valuables, including boats, clothes, food items and other means of livelihood had been destroyed by the unfortunate occurrence.” he said.
Pere also appealed to the state government to send relief materials, including food items to the people to alleviate their suffering.
Responding, Daniel Okpor, Director, Administration and Finance, Delta Emergency Management Agency, said that the agency was not aware of the development.
Okpor, however, requested for video clips of the incident to aid the agency’s findings and response.
“Was the incident a result of flooding or rainfall? We believe more in video clips than in photographs. In the absence of video, you can send me photographs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NIHSA has warned of the likelihood of more flooding across the country this year.
The organisation recalled that when it released the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (2023 AFO) report in February, the regions at high, moderate, and low risk of flooding were identified.
The report revealed that several coastal states, including Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers, were particularly susceptible to coastal flooding.
In addition, major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt were expected to experience flash and urban floods.
Nze said that by April of this year, “numerous states had already reported flooding incidents, causing casualties, loss of life, and the submergence of homes’.
“Over 50 LGAs in at least 20 states, including Adamawa, Delta, Imo, Lagos, and Rivers have already encountered varying degrees of flooding,” he said.
Nze said that the situation was further complicated by the water releases from the Cameroonian Lagdo Dam.
According to him, the dam began releasing water on August 14, 2023, at a rate of 200 cubic meters per second. He explained that although the rate has since been reduced to 50 cubic meters per second, the agency remains on high alert as the rainy season continues.
NIHSA provided additional insights into the River Benue and River Niger systems, stating that water levels and flow patterns were being closely monitored. The agency emphasised the need for preparedness, especially in regions prone to flooding.
Nze urged state governments, citizens and all disaster response and reduction agencies to take immediate action. He emphasised that timely preparedness and mitigation measures were key to minimising the impact of the anticipated flooding.
At NEMA’s Emergency Coordination Forum held on August 9, both Fatima Kasim, Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting of NEMA, and Clement Nze, Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, disclosed that poor drainage systems and waste management, harmful land usage and climate change as well as an overflow of silted rivers were some of the major factors responsible for flooding in the country.
They warned that all stakeholders should adopt a unified approach towards disaster and emergency management across the country.
Although climate change has continued to appear as a major cause of global concern, the major causes of flooding, especially in Nigeria have relatively remained the same.
It is already clear that if any head way must be made, then our drainages must serve as channels for rain water and not a dumping ground for waste.
Various states must develop practical, affordable and accessible waste management systems. Nigerians must develop healthy waste disposal practices. The idea of dumping refuges inside drainages must be discouraged, especially empty plastic containers can be seen all around the drainages in every state of the federation.
Also, road construction companies should also ensure that drainages are floated to be able to easily flow towards low lands and into larger channels.
While the nation expects over two months of rains and flooding, the federal and state governments should enforce the evacuation order on communities in flood prone areas to avert the loss of more lives and properties.
A.
-September. 27, 2023 @ 15:10 GMT |
Tags: Clement Nze Mustapha Ahmed NEMA
