Flooding in Nigeria

 

  Amongst the several factors battling Nigeria's economy, we have found flooding to be one of our greatest enemy.

   States in the south have had it the worst, namely: Anambra, Delta, Rivers, cross river and Bayelsa.

   People have had to relocate unwillingly, as the level of water rises up to the brink of their houses. Along with moving, they have watched expensive properties waste away with the flood, loved ones die of diseases and drown in the water. We have seen scenarios where residents who have no where to go are forced to find a better means for themselves through the water, they create or buy canoes to paddle through the water unprofessionally.

   Nigeria has had lots of seasonal flooding over the years but this year's has been one of the greatest we've seen and it is expected to continue through November. 

   According to some resources In lagos, residents in the Mile 12, Ketu area have been advised to relocate until the water subsides. This is very devastating as they have to close down their shops and markets places and children have to plodd dirty waters to go to school.

  There are also diseases that comes with this water and many other disadvantages. Due to the flood, farmers are restricted from their farms which would in turn cause a raise in the prices of food stuff.

  Apart from climate changes and heavy rains, the water released from dams in Nigeria and Cameron are also major factors contributing to flodding in Nigeria.

  Here's an interview held by our team on 25th October, 2022 with one of the senior staff members of the University of Nigeria. Talking about the causes of flood and it's detrimental effects.

Arkore Writes : Kindly introduce yourself sir and what you do.

Ayodeji is a senior staff member at the University of Nigeria, where he is involved in environmental ethics. He's a climate leader and environmental advocate with years of experience in sustainable solid waste management. He is a World Bank-trained solid waste management professional and the United Nations' 5th Global Entrepreneur Juror. He's also affiliated with other environmental and sustainable development-focused organisations like Eleven Eleven Twelve Foundation and Green Environment Network Enugu. In his quest to educate young people on climate action and get them actively participating in responsible waste management, he in 2019 initiated the establishment of the Plogging Nigeria Club at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Campus, where he leads weekly plogging exercises. Ayodeji is an ardent environmentalist with a mandate to help (re) ignite society's awareness towards environmental sustainability and climate action. He is also developing his interests in the fields of environmental governance and environmental policy implementation.

Arkore Writes : Kindly give a background story on the climate change we're experiencing now, especially the flood.

Despite NIMET's warning, a growing number of communities in Nigeria, both coastal and inland, are finding themselves underwater. Sea level rise and other effects of climate change are increasingly being blamed. Floods are the most common (and one of the deadliest) natural disasters on the planet. They have wreaked havoc on nearly every county, and in many cases, the situation is deteriorating. Global warming is exacerbating sea level rise and extreme weather.

Flash floods have been the most common occurrence in Nigeria. These rapidly rising floods are usually caused by heavy rains over a long period of time. Flash floods can occur anywhere, but are especially dangerous in low-lying areas with poor drainage. Dam overflows are also to blame, as evidenced by Nigeria's "gift from Cameroon with flood."

Arkore Writes : What have we been doing wrong and how can we right our wrongs?

While floods affect everything in their path, regardless of wealth or ethnicity, lower-income people and minority communities are disproportionately affected. Flood preparation can save both property and lives. People should learn how to get timely weather information in their area. Recognize their flood warnings from the constituted authorities. A flood or flash flood warning indicates that flooding is imminent or has already occurred. When a flash flood warning is issued in a flood-prone area, seek higher ground.

Arkore Writes: what is your dream environment like?

I would like to see a shift in young students' attitudes toward environmental sustainability, as well as the empowerment of young people for the green economy.This is in line with Plogging Nigeria's strategic effort to promote environmental sustainability to increase awareness amongst people and model sustainability in everyday living.

Thank you for having me.

Pending the time the waters are cleared and road paths are seen again, it is advisable to be very cautious when moving because the waters might be more dangerous than they seem.