FG must act now to prevent further flood devastation in Nigeria
The recent floods in Nigeria, particularly in the North East, have unleashed a devastating trail of death and destruction, leaving countless lives lost and entire communities submerged.
The sheer scale of the disaster poses the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management and sustained support for affected populations.
The statistics projected that at least 170 people have lost their lives, and over 200,000 others have been displaced, with the North East bearing the brunt of the flooding.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 53 people have died in the North East alone, with Bauchi, Taraba, Yobe, and Adamawa among the worst-hit states.
But the tragedy extends far beyond the North East, with 14 other states also affected, including Jigawa, Bayelsa, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Nasarawa. The cumulative death toll stands at 170, a grim testament to the destructive power of the floods.
The federal government’s warning of severe flooding in 148 LGAs across 31 states from April to November 2024 has tragically become a reality, claiming 170 lives nationwide. But, the FG needs to take very urgent steps in preventing further spikes of this flood.
The North East region, already reeling from insurgency and economic instability, has been dealt a severe blow by the floods. Torrential rains and inadequate drainage systems have resulted in widespread flooding, displacing thousands and causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands.
The human toll is devastating, with reports of numerous fatalities and injuries exacerbating the region’s suffering. The floods have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including displaced persons and impoverished communities, pushing them further into poverty. The destruction of homes and livelihoods has created a dire need for emergency aid and long-term recovery strategies.
The situation is particularly dire in the North East, where years of insurgency have already taken a heavy toll on communities. The floods have further eroded the region’s fragile stability, compromising the well-being of already vulnerable populations. The federal government’s classification of 249 LGAs in 36 states, including the FCT, as ‘moderate flood risk states’ underscores the magnitude of the crisis.
Government responses to the flooding crisis have included some emergency relief efforts, but these have been criticised for their lack of coordination and insufficient scale. The approach has often been reactive rather than proactive, with inadequate attention to building resilience and preparedness for future disasters.
Developing and implementing effective early warning systems is also crucial. These systems should provide timely alerts to communities, enabling them to prepare and evacuate if necessary. Achieving this requires advancements in technology and community education.
A coordinated response is essential, involving government agencies, humanitarian organisations, and local stakeholders. Effective communication and collaboration will ensure that aid is distributed efficiently and reaches those in need.
In addition to immediate relief, long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts are vital. Providing financial aid, psychological support, and rebuilding assistance to affected individuals and families is crucial for restoring normalcy and enhancing resilience.
We must harness the lessons learned from this disaster to drive meaningful change. By investing in infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, and fostering community resilience, Nigeria can better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of future natural calamities. The lives lost and the suffering endured must serve as a catalyst for progress, ensuring that preventable disasters do not claim more lives.
Solidarity and action are critical in this moment of crisis. Let us as a nation and government unite to support the affected communities and work towards a safer, more resilient future for all.
We must also recognise that the floods are not just a natural disaster, but also a symptom of a larger environmental crisis. Climate change, deforestation, and land degradation have all contributed to the increasing frequency and severity of floods in Nigeria.
As we respond to this disaster, we must also address the root causes and work towards sustainable solutions that prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable. This includes investing in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and environmental conservation.
In the face of this unprecedented crisis, we owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to act with courage, resilience, and determination. Let us come together to support those affected by the floods and build a more sustainable, equitable, and just future for all.
We must also recognise the need for sustainable solutions to prevent similar disasters in the future, including investments in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and environmental conservation.
