At this time and season every year, Nigerians and most parts of the world have their hearts in their mouths as the rains come down heavily with accompanying floods that most times wreaks havoc on homes with the attendant consequences on the affected people.
The prediction of the year indicates a normal to below normal rainfall activity across most parts of the country, coastal cities and low-lying areas of Nigeria; in the said forecast , Benue ,Kogi, Rivers ,Delta , Bayelsa and Anambra states are said to be at higher risk of flooding.
Others include Cross River, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Taraba, Kwara, Kebbi, Imo, Yobe, Ondo ,Osun,Lagos and Nasarawa ,among others.
According to reports by the Nigeria Metrological Agency, more than 27 states would be flooded while lives and property would be affected. The report said that the torrential flash floods would affect roads, bridges and low lying areas that could disrupt vehicular traffic.
From past experiences, the impacts of flooding are felt by individuals and the society through loss of property and infrastructure, damage to farmlands, displaced living wild life, contamination of drinking water, spread of water borne diseases and loss of lives and economic depression.
In all, flooding results in economic and social losses and also lead to environmental degradation and overall degradation and deterioration.
In addition, floods can lead to damage to important services and infrastructure such as electricity, severage of telecommunications and other services. A breakdown of the services can make homes inhabitable and business unviable and unsafe for aging people to evacuate to strange and sometimes risky places.
In the past, floods had caused a lot of damage, frustration and depression to Deltans because the state is situated in a low lying zone, but it is to the credit of this administration that is taking proactive measures in the event that the flash floods come as predicted.
Giving an insight into the year’s preparation for the floods, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza has called on residents in flood -prone areas of the state to relocate to higher grounds in the interim as the state government initiates measures for relief to ameliorate the expected pains that may come with such experience.
Dr. Osuoza’s appeal follows the 2024 flood prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and truly underscores the state government proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the impending floods on Delta residents.
Speaking to The Pointer recently in Asaba, the Delta State government’s Spokesman hinted that the 20- Man Flood Management Committee would soon submit its recommendations to the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
He said; “In the interim, those living in the flood -prone areas are advised to start making arrangements to vacate to the uplands so that even if the flood come, the damage will not be severe. It is therefore important that they relocate to uplands now. “
As a member of the committee, the Information Commissioner also stressed the need for Deltans to adopt better environmental practices and keep their surroundings clean to avert disasters such as floods, saying “Our people should begin to take responsibility for their environment. People should stop throwing things out of their vehicles into the drains because the drains are not refuse dumps. According to him, “ Some people because they have refused to pay the PSPs, dump their waste into the drains whenever they see that it want to rain. This is absolutely wrong. “
He further stressed the need for enhanced collaboration between the Waste Management Board (WMB), the Task Force on Environment and the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) in order to effectively implement the MORE agenda related to environmental issues.
The commissioner said that “Recognizing the importance of timely and coordinated efforts in managing natural disasters, Governor Oborevwori has proactively constituted the flood management committee to propose measures for the prevention and management of floods in the state.
Dr. Osuoza said that the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has been clearing the drainages and de-silting the gutters to ensure free flow of water, adding that the agency has been fully concerned and busy clearing blocked drains while the Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps are being put in proper shape to host those that would be affected by the flash floods.
Also, some concerned Deltans spoke on how to mitigate the risk of flooding. According to them, with the high risk areas identified, the people can take steps to check floods by building flood barriers and regulate developments in flood -prone areas as well as raise the elevations to reduce run-off water.
They also suggested that the effect of flooding can be mitigated by raising the land above water levels, rivers and streams, thereby forcing water to flow more slowly or even turn back around. Flooding, according to them, can be avoided by planting trees; a process rather known as afforestation, saying that this type of flood control have been practiced since ancient times.
Other methods they highlighted include, planting vegetation and the construction of flood-ways, displaying temporary flood barriers and other measures that can divert water -flow.
One thing that makes this administration different from others is the proactive ways and measures it is adopting to solve observed challenges in the state. With this, the Oborevwori government is on the right path when the flash floods come.
