Delve deep into Nigeria’s 2023 flooding crisis, understanding its causes, the devastating impact, and the steps being taken for a safer future.
In recent times, Nigeria has been grappling with one of its most devastating natural disasters – flooding.
As we stand in the middle of 2023, over 7000 Nigerians find themselves displaced, with acres of farmland damaged, homes destroyed, and lives lost.
But what caused this calamity? And more importantly, were there warning signs?
The Harrowing Numbers
The Nigerian government’s recent announcement paints a grim picture.
Over 7,353 persons have been displaced, while 75 have suffered injuries and five tragic fatalities.
Destruction to Property
An overwhelming 1,679 houses have faced destruction.
A crucial pillar of Nigeria’s economy, agriculture, hasn’t been spared either.
A colossal 866 hectares of farmland have succumbed to the flooding.
Causes of the Catastrophe
Why does Nigeria face such intense flooding annually?
Hajiya Fatima Kasim, the esteemed Director of NEMA, attributes it to several reasons.
Inefficient Construction Practices
Improper building and infrastructure design play a significant role.
When buildings and roads are constructed without considering water runoff, it can lead to blockages and, eventually, flooding.
The Predictions and Warnings
NEMA’s revelations about the 2023 flood outlook were hardly surprising. Earlier this year, NiMet predicted normal to above-normal rainfall patterns.
Furthermore, NIHSA’s Annual Flood Outlook indicated that a staggering 178 local government areas were at high flood risk.
Given these predictions, Mr Mustapha Ahmed, NEMA’s Director-General, emphasized the importance of disaster management.
An emergency coordination forum was thus initiated, aiming to foster collaboration between various stakeholders.
Impact on Agriculture
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently collaborated with NEMA and UNDP to assess the flood’s socio-economic repercussions.
Six states, including Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Jigawa, Kogi, and Nasarawa, were evaluated.
Jigawa stood out, with 90.7% of its households affected.
Heed the Warnings
Earlier, Nairametrics reported NEMA’s warning to Nigerians to brace themselves for severe flooding in 2023.
Armed with predictions from NiMet and NIHSA, the director-general of NEMA asserted that proactive measures were being put in place.
The hope was to avoid the previous year’s pitfalls and ensure citizens were well-informed.
With collective efforts from the government, agencies, and the public, Nigeria can face these challenges head-on and emerge stronger.
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FAQs
How many Nigerians have been affected by the 2023 floods?
Over 33,983 people have been affected in 10 states.
What are the primary causes of the yearly flooding in Nigeria?
Factors include poor construction practices, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and deforestation.
Were there any warnings regarding the 2023 floods?
Yes, both NiMet and NIHSA had released predictions indicating a higher risk of flooding.
How has the flood affected agriculture in Nigeria?
866 hectares of farmland have been damaged, impacting food availability and businesses.
What measures is NEMA taking to manage these disasters?
Initiatives like the emergency coordination forum have been introduced to foster collaboration and proactive disaster management.