Deadly Downpour: More floods coming, nowhere to run
There is apprehension over the update provided by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, on floods in some parts of the country.
According to the Minister, two deaths were recorded in Abuja as a result of floods last week, and rains have continued, leading to the destruction of property and businesses amid the biting economy with high food prices compounding the woes of Nigerians.
But he also said the worst is not over as river flooding which, according to him, has commenced since July 1, poses significant threat in 19 states namely: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers, Taraba and the FCT.
Meanwhile, there appears to be nowhere to run as experts suggest that not much is being done by the government at the various levels to prepare for the worst-case scenario despite the warning.
For instance, they said there is no evidence across the country that shelters are being built to accommodate those who might have to relocate from their homes when the predicted flooding comes.
Farmers, on their part, are jittery over the potential damage the looming floods may do to farms and produce in a manner that may worsen food insecurity in the country.
The Federal Government had, only last week, moved to ease food scarcity when it removed duties paid on imported foods, especially grains, for 150 days.
Consequent upon the new development, National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Arc Kabir Ibrahim, warns: “Food production should not be done in flood prone areas in order to avoid losses”.
One of the experts who spoke to Sunday Vanguard at the weekend said: “While we applaud the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, for promptly unveiling the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, AFO, and alerting that 148 LGAs across 31 states are at risk, more could have been done in implementing their proposed measures”.
It will be recalled that in 2023, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, disclosed that over 33,983 persons were affected by floods in different parts of Nigeria.
While 10 states were affected, 7,353 people were displaced, 75 injured, five dead; 1,679 houses damaged, and 866 hectares of farmland affected.
States worst hit were Kogi, Benue, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.
Meanwhile, the previous year, 2022, floods, according to NEMA, killed 665 Nigerians, displaced 2,437,411 persons and affected 4,476,867 persons.
The Federal Government announced penultimate Thursday that 21 states had been submerged by floods in 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, as a result of torrential rainfall of the past few weeks.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Utserv, some states had started experiencing varying levels of flooding and its associated disasters as early as April 2024, and added that most of the flood incidents were flash/urban floods resulting from high rainfall intensities of long duration and poor and blocked drainage systems.
Earlier in April 2024 while presenting the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, AFO, by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, he had said it showed that 148 LGAs in 31 states fall within the High Flood Risk while 249 LGA fall within the Moderate Flood Risk Areas with the remaining 377 LGA falling within the Low Flood Risk Areas.
The High Flood Risk states, according to him, are Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT.
Utserv said: “It should be noted that some states have started experiencing varying levels of flooding and its associated disasters as early as April this year.
“So far, more than ten states of the Federation and the FCT have experienced one degree of flooding or the other with several casualties recorded including displacement of people and loss of property.
“For example, the torrential downpour in the early hours of 24th June, 2024 in the FCT resulted in flooding of Trade More Estate in Lugbe where two deaths were reported and several houses submerged.
“AMAC, Kuje, Gwagwalada, Bwari, Kwali LGAs have also been flooded.
“Other affected states and LGAs are: Anambra (Onitsha North), Edo (Benin), Benue (Makurdi), Kwara (Oke-Ero, Moro), Lagos (Agege, Alimosho, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Ikeja, Eti-Osa), Ogun (Ijebu-Ode), Osun (Oriade), Nasarawa (Doma), Taraba (Takum, Sarduna), Yobe.
“It is important to note that as rainfall increases both in frequency and intensity, particularly in the southern part of the country, this will increase the level of flooding and may worsen the ravaging cholera outbreak.
“According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the cholera outbreak has resulted in 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases as of Wednesday, July 3, 2024.”
Alert
The Minister also said the government is alert and monitoring the situation from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
“We are also monitoring the development on the River Benue Sub-Basin. Here, Wuroboki in Adamawa State is our first monitoring station where the flow from the upstream Cameroun is received”, the Minister said.
“The flow situation at Wuroboki is relatively normal at this time, so there is no cause for alarm in terms of water releases on the Benue River basin.
“The Lagdo Dam operators have informed us that they are currently filling the dam for hydropower generation.
“However, we will keep monitoring the development on this flank and put a close tab on other monitoring stations as we are approaching the critical months.”
He called on states and local governments including Nigerians to mitigate the impact of the coming flood.
“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA)’s 2024 AFO prediction has been following the predicted pattern”, Utserv said. “Therefore, to be forewarned is to be forearmed and prevention, they say, is better than cure. We call on all to heed to the advice given in our prediction and stay safe.
“It is in the light of the above that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWR&S) wishes to urge states and the general public to take necessary measures to prevent the ugly flooding menace of the past years.
“Recommended measures include but not limited to: Educating citizen to imbibe attitudinal change towards warnings for flood prevention by Government Agencies and desist from unethical traditional culture and beliefs; Clearing of blocked drainage systems and canals. This exercise is to be undertaken down to grassroots levels including local government areas; Relocation of people living along the water-ways and those that are having socio-economic activities on the flood plains, by the Federal, State and Local Governments; Consideration for channelization/training of major rivers in the country; States and Local Governments are encouraged to desilt river channels and canals and to construct/create buffer (or detention basins) in their respective constituencies to collect runoff waters; Modification of settlements to withstand floods by putting up flood barriers; and effective and efficient operational procedure for dams and reservoirs and maintenance of other hydraulic and water infrastructure across the country; Construction of dykes, flood-walls, buffer dams detention basins and water retaining structures”.
However, he stated that 2024 river flooding will commence July, and 19 states will be affected, which include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers, Taraba and the FCT.
“At this point, it is important to state that river flooding is expected beginning from this month (July 2024) and states that are likely to be impacted within this period as predicted are: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers, Taraba and the FCT.
“Nigeria is located within the River Niger Basin which is occupied by nine member-countries namely: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Chad, Cote D’ Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. “The country is at the lowest portion of the Basin. This means that once the upper catchment of the Basin gets flooded, Nigeria should be prepared to experience flooding incidents.
“It is important to note that the month of June 2024 signifies the beginning of the Hydrological Year 2024/2025 in the Niger Basin.
“The flow situation within the catchment is currently within normal as the rising water levels at our various monitoring stations in Niamey are still within acceptable levels.
“The flow situation at Jiderebode in Kebbi State upstream of Kainji and Jebba reservoirs which is the first monitoring station on the River Niger in Nigeria is still at normal situation; same applies to the flow at Lokoja, Kogi state (the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue)”.
FG, states, LGs need to go beyond yearly weather forecast – ERA
Programme Manager of Environmental Rights Action, ERA, and Head of Yenagoa Office, Bayelsa State, Alagoa Morris, charged the federal, state and local governments to roll out short, medium and long term sustainable plans to safeguard the lives of Nigerians from the painful and destructive floods experienced annually.
Alagoa said: “Any nation that values human lives would go beyond weather forecasts to do more practical things in alignment with the yearly forecasts.
“And, these forecasts are more during the rainy season here in Nigeria.
“As much as it gives confidence when weather forecasts are accurate or near accurate, we can recall that the predictions or weather forecast about monster floods in 2013 didn’t get close to even half of what was predicted; as that year’s floods were very, very low in Bayelsa.
“Yes, there has been so much concern about this year’s weather forecast, especially in terms of thunder storms and flash floods following downpour.
“Even in Bayelsa, some families have been bailing water from their homes since April this year. I am also a victim, as all rooms and office get flooded after heavy rains.
“And, I am planning a relocation from the environment.
“Now, one thing is very obvious. Sometimes the amount of rainfall in the year doesn’t determine whether there would be monster floods at the end.
“Since 2012 and 2022, we have experienced low rainfall; yet we experienced the highest floods, especially that of 2022.
Hausa Dashi Dam
“It is gratifying to hear that the Senate has urged the Federal Government to return to the Hausa Dashi Dam and have it completed.
“That is a step in the right direction because, if (directive is) complied with, it would reduce greatly the incidence of monster floods.
“However, I am yet to get any signal as to the federal and state authorities sitting down to discuss the unfortunate suffering brought to Nigerian by monster floods.
“It is very unfortunate that such an important matter has not attracted the authorities to sit with a view to working out possible solutions.”
States’ preparedness
“Talking about states and preparedness, I am not in a position to say anything about other states, because environmental issues are experience and knowledge-based.
“While I am aware that Lagos State government once embarked on demolition exercises in connection with freeing spaces for water, that is the much I know about preparations over there. Same with Delta State.
“As for my state, Bayelsa; I am aware that a Flood and Erosion Control Directorate has been established to deal with related issues.
“Culverts have also been constructed in certain sections of some roads to prevent and reduce negative impacts of flooding.
“This was done after the 2022 monster floods and, this is taken into consideration in ongoing road constructions in the state.
“However, this year, I am yet to physically observe the clearing and opening up of natural canals within the state capital and environs.
“I hope the Flood and Erosion Control Directorate will commence action as soon as possible because we are getting into the heavier segment of the rainy season.
“For the Lagos situation, as in other cities like Port-Harcourt, Asaba, Warri and Yenagoa, I am convinced not much attention has been accorded the issue of effective drainage system.
“There is need to carry our real environmental surgery in this regard. If it means pulling down structures to provide for water path, in the public interest they should do it.
“This should be after proper Environmental Impact Assessment and consideration for compensating property owners.
“Again, I have observed, in Port-Harcourt (more than twice) that when there is heavy rain during full tide in the river, the water cannot be received by the river and hence, environment connected thereto would be seriously flooded. “The Interwogba Creek runs through parts of GRA to Diobu.
Residents would be lucky if it rains heavy and this creek is having low tide; ebbing.
“But it would be the reverse if the creek has full tide and it rains heavily.
“In the latter scenario, the creek will overflow its banks with additional rain water and, entire environment would be affected.
“That is the kind of thing I suspected happened in Lagos recently.
“There is need to construct tunnels or large drainages that would receive water once it rises above certain levels in the environment; sending the water to a predetermined destination far removed from the point of collection.
“Well, experts should be consulted for effective drainage system in and around our cities.”
Uncontrolled urbanisation cause of crisis —ActionAid
The Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, Andrew Mamedu, on his part, asserted that uncontrolled urbanisation is one of the major causes of flood crisis in parts of Nigeria.
Andrew said, “Recent heavy rains in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos and Ogun States, caused significant disruption and damage.
“The continuous downpours have evidently led to severe flooding, submerging roads, and collapsing buildings.
“ActionAid Nigeria has also been seeing citizens’ agitation on how flash floods and rains are impacting their daily lives, grounding commercial activities, halting transportation, and causing distress among residents.
“Many areas have been heavily affected, making movement difficult and endangering lives and properties.
“While we applaud the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, for promptly unveiling the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, AFO, and alerting that 148 LGAs across 31 states are at risk, more could have been done in implementing their proposed measures. “Specifically, maintaining environmental cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about flood risks and preparedness measures are crucial.
“If these steps had been properly implemented, they could have indeed reduced threats to both lives and infrastructure.
“States like Lagos may have been proactive to a degree, but the majority of the states are now at a point where they must activate reactive collaborative efforts to enhance resilience and ensure citizens’ safety.
Measures
“Immediate measures must include deploying emergency services, particularly in providing temporary shelters for those displaced or susceptible to displacement; clearing blocked drainage systems to facilitate water flow and reduce water-logging is crucial.
“The relentless heavy rains and subsequent flooding are stark reminders of the broader issue of climate change.
“Rising global temperatures are leading to more intense and unpredictable weather patterns, including extreme rainfall.
“This means that what we are experiencing now could become more frequent, posing continuous threats to our communities.
“The increasing severity of weather events necessitates a robust response and adaptation strategy to mitigate future risks.
“State governments need to put comprehensive plans in place to accommodate displaced persons, as the frequency and intensity of the rains are likely to increase in some locations.
“We cannot rule out that poor urban planning and uncontrolled urbanisation have significantly contributed to the current crisis.
“Many urban areas lack adequate drainage systems, and buildings are often constructed in flood-prone zones without regard for environmental sustainability or long-term resilience.
“These practices not only increase the risk of flooding but also amplify the damage caused when floods occur.
“It is imperative that urban planning regulations are enforced strictly to prevent construction in vulnerable areas and promote sustainable infrastructure development.
“Hence, proactive and reactive measures against flood and displacement should be a concerted effort involving multi-agency collaboration. State governments, SEMA, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Civil Society Organisations and various ministries must work together.
“For example, NOA should take sensitisation campaigns to communities, particularly on public awareness about flood preparedness and response.
“It is not enough to assume that everyone has access to traditional media for early warnings or information about state support and temporary shelters.
“Collaboration between government agencies, communities, and individuals is essential to navigate this crisis effectively and ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
“Additionally, state governments and relevant ministries must rethink their investment in robust drainage systems capable of handling heavy rainfall, expediting road construction and maintenance to ensure proper water flow, adopting stringent urban planning regulations, and encouraging green infrastructure projects are vital.
“Supporting farmers with flood-resistant farming techniques, proper drainage channels, and specific insurance schemes and disaster relief programs will also help mitigate losses.
“Nigerians themselves cannot be absolved of responsibility. Participating in local initiatives to clean and maintain drainage systems is vital in preventing blockages.
“It’s a collective effort to address this recurring issue and safeguard lives and properties against future floods.”
‘States not serious about NiMet, NIHSA warnings’
Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative, RDI, Philip Jakpor, also speaking on the issue, accused state governments of not being serious about warnings via predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet, and NIHSA, hence the pounding floods and torrential downpour in Lagos, Abuja, and other parts of the country.
Jakpor said: “Obviously, states did not take Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, warnings seriously; if not, the disaster that we witnessed would not have happened.
“The drains were still blocked and canals were still filled with junk; so water could not find its level. “Practically half of Lagos was grounded due to flooded roads and economic activities were at a standstill.
“Concerned Nigerians would have thought that states would have also set up shelters on high ground to accommodate the people in the coastal areas who would be told to evacuate. “But, as usual, everything on ground is ad hoc.”
Farmers need to avoid flood zones for food production —AFAN
National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Arc Kabir Ibrahim, also spoke, saying food production should not be done in flood prone areas in order to avoid losses.
Kabir said: “We consider floods, drought and all that as acts of God but we had been forewarned that this situation will arise, right from February when the prediction was done by NiMet.
“They have given us the flood outlook, and we attended the meeting also on the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, AFO.
“Now, what is happening is that we (AFAN) have been sending messages and telling our farmers to avoid flood prone areas when they plant their crops, they should not plant there and then they should also learn to harvest waters that flood some areas and also to plant where there was flooding because the residual moisture there will also help us.
“Apart from that there is nothing we can do because nobody knows precisely 100 per cent what nature is going to do?
“But we take care not to plant in flood-prone areas. We also seek seeds that withstand flooding if our land is in flood-prone areas, and we should do what is called climate-smart agriculture.
“We should be able to plant those things that will not suffer the vagaries of flooding.
“That is the most we can do but as businessmen, we should not plant where we lose our investments, and this is very important. “Every farmer now is being enjoined to look at agriculture or farming as a business.
Mitigating impact on food production
“Not only farmers, but householders should also clear the drains around. This is the best way to prevent flooding.
“We should remove bad materials or foreign materials in our drainage all over the place in the neighbourhoods, we should keep our refuse appropriately and evacuated appropriately.
“And we should not build on waterways and things like that. And this is for every Nigerian not only for farmers to avoid flooding.
“Government has done its effort by making what they call community warehouses all over; I think three per state or more.
“Some of them are operational and they leased to farmers or groups of farmers.
“But that is probably not adequate. Storage, dry storage is a lot but what about cold storage? “Power supply must be addressed before people can prolong the lives of those perishable things that need electricity.
“Farmers have to produce optimally and they have to learn to add value but we have many factors that are threatening our productivity and there are still insecurity and dearth of mechanization.
“We need good seeds, fertilizers at affordable rates, science and technology should be made available to farmers.
“But farmers themselves should look upon what they do as a business and work assiduously to make Nigeria food sufficient so that we attain full security quickly.”