FLOODS, a major natural phenomenon wreaking huge havoc globally,are here again with us in Nigeria  and as usual in the months beginning from June to October. It has been recognised as the most common and recurring disaster in the country particularly along the banks of the major rivers and coastal states that include Ondo State. Therefore, as the usual practice and in order to forestall or reduce its debilitating effects of flooding on the environment and the people,  flood alerts have been released by NIMET and other agencies of government drawing residents’ attention to the areas that are likely to be most affected in the course of the year. 

CONSEQUENTLY, the Federal government of Nigeria recently issued flood alerts to 15 states amid forecasts of heavy rainfall from June 2. Earlier in the year, the National Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, listed locations and their environs that are likely to witness heavy rainfall that might lead to floods within the period of prediction. During the presentation of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook for the country, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev revealed the Federal Government has written at least 31 governors informing them of the impending flooding in their states between April and November this year.

THE 2024 Annual Flood Outlook shows that part of 148 Local Government Areas in 31 states of the federation fall within the high flood-risk areas, while part of 249 LGAs in 36 states of the federation and the FCT fall within the moderate flood-risk areas. The high flood-risk states are Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe.The level of floods in this category is expected to be high in terms of impact on the population, agriculture, livelihoods, livestock and infrastructure, and the environment, while flash and urban floods would be experienced in urban city centres across the country. The report also indicates that Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo would experience coastal flooding due to the rise in sea level and tidal surge, adding that this would impact fishing, wildlife habitation, and river navigation.

THE above staggering information presupposes that government at all levels, organisations and individuals residing in the flood prone areas, need to arm themselves to prevent the destructive menace of the floods as they come. This is essential because past flooding have resulted in some cases of monumental destruction and loss of lives, properties and farmlands. Its consequences could go beyond mere destruction of properties to causing food shortages resulting from destruction of farm lands and. This may render many people homeless leading to social problems and thereby instigating or increasing the poverty level in the country.

THE import of the above is to get the government at all levels, citizens and relevant governmental agencies duly informed and equipped with necessary information that will make them prepare to handle and reduce the severity of the impacts of the impending floods on the people and the environment. Therefore, all stakeholders must begin preparation to cope with or avoid the destructive effects of the floods. There is the need to clear waterways by demolishing buildings on river channels where necessary, relocate residents, and clear drainages to prevent flooding.  The citizens must take the warning from NIMET seriously and be prepared to cope with it. There is the need to create awareness and sensitise the people generally about the impending flooding that should involve traditional institutions, religious bodies and educational institutions.

RESPONSIBLE environmental development controlling and management departments such as the Ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development and Environment should be alive to their responsibilities. Town Planning authorities should ensure that people do not continue to build on waterways and those that have been built should be removed. The Ministry of Environment should intensify efforts to clear waterways and blocked drainage channels. The people should desist from dumping refuse on streams and water courses. Also, the Waste Management Authority must ensure timely and regular removal of wastes so that they will not be swept into drainage and river channels. Emergency response plans and rescue teams should be emplaced to quickly address the problem of flooding when they arise.