Nigeria is facing disastrous floods which have killed many people as well as disturbing their life.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria, a country in West Africa experiences seasonal flooding. over 200,000 have been completely destroyed by the floods. the houses are getting submerged due to the floods. Last week, 76 people died by drowning. The flood of this year in Nigeria is one of the worst in recent years.
Another flood which was one of the worst happened a decade ago. 431 people died and millions of people lost their homes to the flood.
Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency, in the first week of October warned of catastrophic flooding for some states which are located along the courses of the Niger and Benue rivers. they stated that there is an expectation of overflow of 3 overfilled reservoirs. also, excessive water flow in a dam neighbouring Cameroon can exceed the possibility of a flood.
Many parts of Nigeria are prone to yearly seasonal floods. The people of Nigeria have been facing floods and disastrous situations in recent years.
Sadiya Umar Farouq, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs said that local government councils and communities were warned about floods so that they could evacuate the place as soon as possible. He said that the tents and relief materials were given to people in need. Freshwater and medical supplies were also provided to the people.
As per the data, Nigeria has a poor drainage system. That’s why flooding takes place in Nigeria during excessive rain. Heavy seasonal rains make some areas of Nigeria vulnerable.
The states which are prone to flooding are Niger, Kogi, Anambra and Delta. Nigeria has two of west Africa’s great rivers. One is Niger and another in Benue. These two waterways meet in central Nigeria and then flow towards the south as a single river to meet the Atlantic ocean.
Nigeria’s meteorological organisation said that this year is expected to be the wettest in 40 years. Climate change is probably the main reason for excessive rainfall this year. more than 31 states are affected by this rainfall. As Nigeria has lost a lot of forest cover in a decade, thus the climatic condition is not getting better.
Nigeria had 10.9 million hectares of natural forest in 2010. It has lost 96,500 hectares of forest cover by 2021.
Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesperson said that the president had ordered ministers to “develop a flood action plan within 90 days”. Authorities are trying to reach every victim to provide them with relief material through airlifting, but still, some are not able to get help.
Jiga Barnabas had spent over one million nairas on land lease, tractor tent, weeding, seedling, and labour. He has lost almost every penny he has.
He said that he was expecting to harvest over 140,50 kg bags of rice, but now he has lost everything he invested. He even said that some of the farmers who borrowed money to cultivate are left with nothing now.
He is hoping that the authorities will take some action regarding the seasonal flooding which is causing harm to almost every other farmer in Nigeria.
Poor drainage systems in residential areas of Nigeria as well as channels clogged with waste is one big reason for excessive flooding.
Ifeanyi Ashley says when he returned home from work, flood water was swept through his house, his wife, children and parents were in the house. He said that even though his bed was covered with mud, the water was at knee level. Because of this, he had to move his important belongings.
Even in this kind of situation, Mr Ashley was reluctant to leave his house and he refused to go to a safer place. He said he wanted to protect his house. If he leaves, perhaps thieves will loot his house or it will become home to reptiles.
Most of his neighbours are taking help in church, community halls and hospital lobbies as their homes have been destroyed. They have no place to live.
Habeebat Lawal is seeking help in a primary school, her house has collapsed and she could not save any of her belongings. She said even after the flood resides, she has nowhere to go and nothing left in her hands.
