By Mary Agidi

Less than six months ago, a devastating flood ravaged Ondo township in Ondo State, submerging houses, vehicles, and business centers for days before the floodwaters receded.

 This disaster paralyzed daily activities, resulting in property losses worth millions. Another flooding incident occurred on October 20 last year, leading to the disappearance of a 17-year-old secondary school girl who was swept away by a moving flood around the Araromi area in Akure.

 The first rain of 2025 in Ondo State also came with a disastrous flood, destroying property worth millions of naira in several communities. In Okitipupa, a town in the southern senatorial district of the state, heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in January, leaving many residents of the Apata New Site homeless.

 According to the victims, the second rainfall of the year further deluged the community, raising fears of severe damage if the rains continue at the same intensity.

In late February 2025, the third rainfall in Akure was accompanied by stormy winds and a thunderstorm that destroyed houses, including the Akure Airport terminal and reception tower. The airport remained inoperative for two weeks due to the damage.

Meanwhile, Meteorologists have warned that changes in the ozone layer, caused by global emissions, are affecting atmospheric conditions. Aside from flooding and strong winds, Nigeria has recently experienced excessive heat waves, which experts attributed to climate change.

On March 11, 2025, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) issued a warning alert about heat stress in 19 states. Just a day later, reports emerged of 12 deaths from  meningitis outbreak in a northern state.

 According to NiMet’s alert on March 12, the prevailing atmospheric conditions are favorable for meningitis outbreaks, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.

Undoubtedly, the effects of climate change are intensifying, posing serious threats to communities, particularly in African countries.

Natural disasters are increasingly common across Nigeria, with flooding and drought destroying farmlands and threatening food security.

While rising water levels are partly due to global emissions, human-induced factors such as deforestation and poor waste management also contribute to flooding.

 Despite Africa’s minimal contribution to global emissions—accounting for about 3.9% of the total—the continent suffers disproportionately due to inadequate mitigation strategies and a lack of political will.

 According to Eugene N. Nforngwa, Thematic Lead for Just Transition and Energy Access at the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), industrialization and fossil fuel consumption have significantly increased greenhouse gas concentrations, exacerbating climate change.

 Data from the African Development Bank estimates that climate change will result in $50 billion in annual losses by 2030, while $2.6 trillion will be required for adaptation and mitigation by 2050.

A  Call to  Action

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), agricultural productivity growth has declined by 34% since 1961 due to climate change.

 Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is projected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress if mitigation efforts are not intensified, says WMO.

WMO further warns that by 2030, up to 118 million extremely poor people in Africa will be exposed to droughts, floods, and extreme heat without adequate response measures.

 The economic impact is also severe, with African countries losing an average of 2-5% of GDP and some diverting up to 9% of their budgets to climate disaster responses.

 Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that high water stress will affect about 250 million people in Africa, potentially displacing up to 700 million by 2030.

Environmentalists have described the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding and thunderstorms as clear indicators of climate change, driven by deforestation, poor urban planning, and inadequate drainage systems.

 Mr. Kayode Ojelola, founder of Elomgreenie, an environmental conservation and climate education organization, emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach to mitigating these impacts.

He highlighted the importance of sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development, urging governments and private developers to integrate climate resilience into city planning. This includes enforcing proper drainage systems, flood-resistant building designs, and green infrastructure such as permeable pavements and urban forests. He recommended stricter building codes, better waste management policies, and the prevention of construction on wetlands to reduce disaster vulnerability.

 He also advocated for waste-to-energy initiatives, community-led recycling programs, and public education on eco-friendly waste disposal practices.

To build resilience against climate-related disasters, Ojelola suggested leveraging technology and traditional knowledge to provide early warnings for extreme weather events, equipping local authorities with resources for disaster response, and integrating climate education into schools and community programs.

He also stressed the need to promote renewable energy and low-carbon development by investing in solar, wind, and hydroenergy projects to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Encouraging the use of electric vehicles, improving public transportation, and offering tax incentives for companies investing in eco-friendly technologies were among his recommendations.

“The government must strengthen environmental regulations, enforce zoning laws, and implement policies that support renewable energy adoption, sustainable construction, and climate adaptation projects,” he stated.

 While individual actions such as tree planting and responsible waste disposal are important, systemic change requires collective action from policymakers, businesses, and civil society. A proactive and inclusive approach is essential for building climate-resilient communities and preventing further disasters.

Another environmentalist, Mr. Mayokun Iyaomolere, founder of Plogging Nigeria, underscored the need for heightened awareness and preparedness to mitigate the impact of flooding and thunderstorms, particularly in Ondo State.

He urged government agencies to issue timely alerts based on weather predictions so that residents can take necessary precautions.

 He also emphasized public education on the dangers of thunderstorms, advising people to avoid staying near objects that attract lightning or serve as electrical conductors to prevent electrocution.

Raising awareness, he noted, would significantly reduce casualties and property damage.

He further stressed the importance of waste management in flood prevention, urging residents to keep drainage systems and waterways free of debris to allow for smooth water flow.

 Blocked drainage channels, he explained, contribute significantly to rising water levels and worsen flood severity, leading to economic, social, and environmental losses.

 He called on the government to allocate resources and intensify efforts toward environmental cleanliness and disaster prevention.