By Ismaila Umaru Lere
A section of Nigeria’s northern region has been struck by a natural disaster of catastrophic proportions. In recent weeks, torrential rains have unleashed a deluge of flooding that has left communities across the area in states of utter devastation. Nowhere has the impact been more severe than in Jigawa State, where the floodwaters have ravaged 23 of the state’s Local Government Areas, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying thousands of homes, properties, and farmlands. Sadly, these latest calamities are occurring even as the peak flooding season is predictively set to arrive in late September and early October.
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Nigeria. The damage and losses recorded during the 2012 flood disaster were severe; however, the 2022 floods, which were on a multidimensional scale, had more devastating effects.
In this period, the scale of the disaster in Jigawa is almost unimaginable. Official reports indicate that over 7,000 houses and other structures have been completely destroyed, while an additional 6,500 hectares of farmland have been wiped out. This has led to a profound humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people left without shelter, food, or the means to sustain their livelihoods.
The scenes emerging from the affected areas are truly heartbreaking. Entire villages have been submerged, with residents forced to seek refuge on higher grounds or in hastily assembled camps. Children play in the murky floodwaters, their futures cast into uncertainty, while distraught adults sift through the ruins of what was once their homes, salvaging whatever meagre possessions they can.
What makes this disaster all the more tragic is that it was, in many ways, foreseeable. Nigeria’s annual rainy season, which typically runs from June to September, is well-known to bring the threat of severe flooding, especially in the northern states. Yet despite repeated warnings from meteorological agencies and disaster management authorities, the country appears woefully unprepared to cope with the scale and intensity of the current crisis.
The reasons for this lack of preparedness are manifold. Inadequate investment in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as dams, drainage systems, and early warning networks, has left communities vulnerable to the ravages of the floodwaters. Moreover, poor land-use planning and the encroachment of human settlements into flood-prone areas have exacerbated the problem, with many of the affected communities situated in low-lying, high-risk zones.
The consequences of this disaster extend far beyond the immediate loss of life and property. The destruction of farmland and the disruption of agricultural activities will undoubtedly have a severe impact on food security and the livelihoods of countless families. The displacement of so many people also poses significant challenges in terms of providing adequate shelter, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare – all of which are essential for preventing the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
Furthermore, the economic toll of the floods is likely to be immense. The damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and other critical facilities, will require substantial resources to repair and rebuild. The disruption to economic activities, such as trade and commerce, will also have far-reaching repercussions.
In the face of this calamity, the government in national and sub-national levels, and international community have a crucial role to play in providing immediate relief and long-term support. The government must act swiftly to mobilize emergency resources, coordinate the distribution of aid, and work closely with local authorities to ensure that the most vulnerable communities receive the assistance they desperately need.
At the same time, policymakers in flood-prone states must invest in comprehensive flood management strategies that address the underlying causes of the problem. This includes improving early warning systems, strengthening disaster response capabilities, and implementing sustainable land-use policies that minimise the risk of future flooding events. Additionally, the government must work to address the broader challenges of climate change, which are believed to be a contributing factor to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region.
As the people of northern Nigeria grapple with the aftermath of this devastating flood, the international community must stand in solidarity and provide the necessary support to aid in the recovery and rebuilding process. This is not just a local or national crisis, but a global challenge that requires a concerted and collaborative effort to ensure that the affected communities can not only survive, but also thrive in the face of this overwhelming adversity.
The floods in northern Nigeria are a stark reminder of the fragility of our environment and the urgent need to address the pressing issues of climate change and disaster preparedness.
As we approach the peak flooding period, local communities must act quickly to better prepare themselves for the impending disaster and significantly accelerate their flood preparedness efforts. This means, expediting the implementation of early warning systems, the construction or reinforcement of flood mitigation infrastructure, and the training of community-based disaster response teams. Time is of the essence, and communities must work with a sense of urgency to ensure they are as ready as possible.
Local communities should maintain close coordination with local and state-level authorities to ensure a well-integrated and synchronised disaster response. This involves regular communication, the sharing of information and resources, and the clarification of roles and responsibilities. Such coordination will help avoid duplication of efforts and ensure a more efficient and effective response.
Leverage Traditional Knowledge and Practices
Many communities in northern Nigeria have long-standing traditional knowledge and practices related to flood preparedness and response. Incorporating these time-tested approaches, along with modern scientific and technological solutions can create a more holistic and culturally-relevant disaster management framework.
Time is of the essence, and local communities must act swiftly and decisively to implement these measures before the peak flooding season arrives. By taking proactive steps to enhance their preparedness, these communities can significantly reduce the loss of life and property, and better protect their most vulnerable members when the floodwaters inevitably rise.
One of the key ways communities can be better prepared is through enhanced early warning systems. This involves improving weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities, as well as establishing clear communication channels to ensure timely alerts reach vulnerable populations. Community-based early warning networks, leveraging traditional communication methods and digital technologies, can help disseminate critical information about impending floods.
Finally, at this stage, government investing in robust flood mitigation infrastructure is crucial. This includes building or reinforcing flood control structures like dams, dykes, and drainage systems to help manage and divert floodwaters. Improving road networks and bridges to facilitate evacuation and emergency response during floods is also important. And, the building of community resilience is key to ensuring local populations can better withstand and recover from flood events. This involves empowering communities through education, training, and the provision of resources to implement disaster preparedness and response measures. Community-based disaster management committees and coordinated evacuation plans can improve a community’s ability to cope.