NIGERIANS are currently confronted by multi-faceted problems, ranging from a socio-economic crisis that has almost brought the polity to its toes, to natural disaster, manifesting in perennial flooding causing pains and hardships for the masses.
As the people are groaning under the increasing effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, the impending warning by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of possible massive flooding of several coastal communities has further sent chills down the spines of the citizenry.
Unfortunately, the projection is already with us as the recent flood incident in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, attests to the likely overwhelming impact of the expected flood. About one week after the devastating flood that claimed tens of lives and affected social and economic activities in the city and environs, the people are still trying to find their steps to pick up what is left of their existence.
From 2012 to date, most communities at the bank of the rivers have anticipated annual rainfalls in fear. As the rainy season approaches, they hold their breaths until the rains are over.
The same scenario may likely play up this year after the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), disclosed that 31 states were at high risk for significant flood impacts in 2024. Earlier, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) raised similar alarm that 19 states, 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, would be affected by the flood.
Besides, the NIHSA, while presenting the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), recently, stated that 148 local government areas in 31 states fall within the High Flood Risk, while 249 local government areas fall within the Moderate Flood Risk Areas with the remaining 377 local government areas falling within the Low Flood Risk Areas.
These figures are as alarming as they appear. The incident in Maiduguri has sent a warning signal to all those related to the projected flooding to brace up for the challenge.
Floods have caused serious economic setbacks to communities and individuals these past years. The effect is not far-fetched. Farmers are counting their losses annually due to damages caused to their produce. Buildings are destroyed and several lives are lost to the same phenomenon. In addition, roads are scrapped and rendered impassable by flood water. In some cases, a whole term of academic activity is lost as students are sent home after the flood has taken over their schools.
The most challenging is that unlike in the past, not only residents of riverine communities of the South (lower Niger) are victims but even those in the North are suffering the same fate now.
Last week, the Olu of Warri, Ogiamhe Atawatse 111, raised the alarm that an ocean surge was ravaging some communities in his kingdom. The flood has wreaked havoc on their livelihoods, schools, homes, and vital infrastructure. The rain flood also took its toll on the residents.
In its first reaction to the emerging flood, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Chief E. K. Clark appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the concerned federal government agencies to take decisive action before it is too late.
We are happy that residents of Maiduguri, who were the latest victims of the flood disaster, are getting the necessary assistance to mitigate the effect. As of the last count, the federal government, the Governor of the State, senators, and well-meaning individuals, including Aliko Dangote, have offered assistance and encouragement.
We appreciate the proactive steps taken by the Delta State government in setting up a committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kingsley Emu to ensure comfort for those likely to be affected, as no fewer than 19 out of the 25 local government areas are at risk.
These steps are recommended to be emulated by other states named as high-risk areas. Local governments should also be key to these measures as grassroots-oriented governments.
While the government is getting set to provide relief to victims, construct camps and shelters, and deploy emergency workers, those in coastal areas should get ready to evacuate to save their lives. We sympathize with the victims of the Maiduguri incident and believe that states, local governments, and citizens would brace up for the challenges posed by the impending flood. The Maiduguri incident should serve as a lesson.
