Disasters such as droughts, hurricanes, earthquakes, cyclones and floods are quite often described as natural disasters; they are prompted by the force of nature which cannot be conventionally explained and controlled by the wisdom of man. They are responsible for phenomenal devastation on lives, the environment, and livelihoods. Due to their connection with the forces of nature, the damages caused by these disasters are hardly held to human’s account. They are viewed as the work of God, even in contract law, and they are found in Forces Majeure clauses that provides accessible escape paths for contractual responsibilities’ non-performance.
There is an argument that using mathematical exactitude, made by developed science and technology, to predict the outcomes of natural disasters might blame nature if necessary precautions are not taken to mitigate the effects. If this phenomenon loses its naturalness with apparent mathematical predictability and element of regularity, then it should be tagged unnatural disasters or governance disaster owing to the destructive effects of flood disaster in Nigeria, 2022, which should have been curbed by appropriate measures.
This disaster is no longer a one-time phenomenon.
With a drive from Port Harcourt to Delta State, through the East and West road, the effect of the 2022 flood on the roads and communities is apparent, showing the weak post-disaster risk management and slow recovery. The major route in the East/West road has not been accessible in Niger Delta, both in and out as it has been left forgotten and undeveloped. Also, collapsed buildings that were not rebuilt due to the impoverished state of the owners in the region have also been heavily affected by the flood. This is likewise the plight of Anambra, Benue, Kogi and other states that are affected by the flood.
Report from the Federal Government in 2022 stated that there were economic losses as a result of the climate change disaster which accounted for over N4.2 trillion. Statistically, over 4.9 million citizens were affected negatively by the flood disaster and a total of 603 people died. As a result of this, the degrading conditions for hurriedly prepared camps for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) due to the emotional upset is incalculable under cost. This disaster is no longer a one-time phenomenon due to its frequent occurrence as well as other natural disasters across the globe.
Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) forecasts 2023 flood disasters.
Warnings of doomsday and predictions on natural disasters are current experiences in Nigeria. For instance, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), early in 2022, in its Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) forecasted flood disasters. However, nothing much was done beyond the warnings and prediction to mitigate the consequences of the forecasts which was described as the most devastating one in the last thirty years. The effects of this led to the dependence of people on handouts from charitable organisations, corporate, well-meaning individuals and the government for survival.
Another worry of this tragic happening is the prediction of yet another one. Significantly, there is no wide difference between 2022 predictions and The Annual Flood Outlook for 2023. According to the forecast, 178 LGAs in 32 states including FCT in Nigeria will fall between the Highly Probable Flood Risk Areas, 372 LGAs will fall within the Probable Flood Risks Areas and 224 LGAs in 35 States of the Federation including FCT will fall within the Moderately Probable Flood Risks Areas. This statistics shows that the risk of flood-prone communities becoming alarming and more dreadful.
State gov’t should construct tributaries and local rivers.
Apparently, there is a visible case of marginalization of unplanned incidents that threaten the existence of numbers of Nigerian citizens. State and local government should engaged in construction of tributaries and local rivers to avert flooding. Also, there should be a construction and equipment of IDP camps, that are fit to serve as human habitation, in readiness for the flooding. In addition, the experience of the flood disaster in 2022 is devastating, and with science and technology, which are relevant in curbing the excesses of nature, its effects should be mitigated.
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Nigeria prevalent natural disaster — flood – It is responsible for phenomenal devastation on lives and the environment. – Express your point of view.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastating impact that floods have had on lives and the environment in Nigeria. These natural disasters are a reminder of the urgent need to take action to address the root causes of flooding and to build more resilient communities that can withstand the effects of climate change.
One way to do this is by investing in infrastructure and other measures that can help to manage floodwaters and prevent the loss of life and property. This could include building levees and other flood control structures, improving drainage systems, and promoting sustainable land use practices that can help to reduce the risk of flooding.
At the same time, it’s important to recognize that floods are not just a natural disaster but are often the result of human activities, such as deforestation, land use changes, and poor urban planning. Addressing these underlying factors will require a coordinated effort by all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and local communities.
Overall, the issue of flooding in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted one that requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate impacts of flooding and the underlying causes of this natural disaster. By working together to promote greater awareness and take action to build more resilient communities, we can help to protect lives and the environment from the devastating effects of floods.
These calamities serve as a wake-up call to the urgent need to tackle the underlying causes of floods and to create a stronger society that can survive the flood issue we can help safeguard lives and the environment from the devastation caused by floods
putting money into infrastructure and other strategies that can be used to control floodwaters and stop the loss of lives and property. Levees and other flood control structures could be constructed, drainage systems could be improved, and sustainable land use techniques might be promoted.
These catastrophes serve as a reminder of the pressing need to address the root causes of floods and to build a stronger society that can withstand the flood crisis. By doing so, we can help protect lives and the environment from the destruction brought on by floods.
This flooding situation in Nigeria really needs to be addressed. The government has not addressed it yet. We are losing a lot of homes to this flood. There is need for us to help make the lives of people better. This can only be done when they have a secured shelter.
The cause of the devastating impact of natural disasters, like the 2022 flood in Nigeria, is primarily attributed to the forces of nature, such as extreme weather patterns and climate change.
To address the issue, proactive measures should be taken, including the construction of tributaries and local rivers to prevent flooding. Additionally, well-equipped IDP camps should be established to provide shelter and support for those affected. Utilizing science and technology can aid in predicting and mitigating the effects of such disasters.