As Flood Ravages Niger Delta Communities
3 min read
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency had predicted that there would be more flood in 2022 than what was experienced last year, due to “excessive rainfalls and contributions from external flows” such as the dam in Cameroon. The 2022 flood is being equated to the 2012 flood which remains the highest flood disaster in the history of Nigeria.
The flood in 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states and capital city has affected about half a million people and has equally displaced up to 100,000, according to NEMA.
The disaster has also destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland, worsening fears of a disruption of food supply in Africa’s most populous country.
Since 2012, “this is the highest we ever had,” said Manzo Ezekiel, a spokesperson for the disaster management agency.
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Nigerian communities witness flood every year, largely because of the non-implementation of environmental guidelines and inadequate infrastructure.
Authorities are blaming this year’s experience on water overflowing from some local rivers, unusual rainfalls and the release of excess water from Lagdo Dam in neighbouring Cameroon’s northern region.
According to federal government authorities, the 2022 flood has already claimed over 300 lives across the nation. This is when the flood has not reached its peak in the Niger Delta region which is the lowest part of the country, sitting below the sea level.
In every flooding season, the Niger Delta region is worst hit due to its difficult terrain. Their farm lands and property are worst affected and they record highest casualties. From reports, the flooding will come harder on the Niger Delta region especially states like Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers, in the coming weeks.
We agree that some of the victims of this year’s flood had refused to heed calls by government agencies, which warned them to find alternative accommodation for themselves, in view of the expected havoc they were to suffer.
Those who heeded the counsel would not suffer so much loss. However, it is what it is; the harm has been done and more harm will be done in the days ahead.
This is why we are calling on governments at all levels in the Niger Delta States to be prepared to mitigate the negative effects of the disastrous flood. Those who have already been displaced need some form help in the form of a refugee camp, to enable them survive, especially with their children.
They will also need food and water, apart from other basic needs. This is where the government and other NGOs need to come in.
Medical teams should be made available in all IDP camps, when created, to administer treatment to the refugees. The federal and state governments should promptly release funds to provide adequate food and security for all the victims during and after the flood period. Boats and vehicles should be made available for quick evacuation of victims.
We also suggest that all water canals should be open for water passage into the Atlantic Ocean to reduce overflow of water into the coastal communities. Parents should watch over their children to avoid being drowned. Victims of flood should be vigilant to avoid being attacked by poisonous and other dangerous reptiles. It is that time of the year when everyone should be their brother’s keeper. And all efforts must be made to save lives and protect all those who are prone to flood attacks.
