In recent times, heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have become all too common across states in the country.
This has over time posed significant risks to communities in many states of the country.
Apart from the risk of loss of lives and properties, floods have the potential to elevate the spread of water vector-borne illnesses like typhoid fever, cholera, malaria, and yellow fever, among various others.
The United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention stated that flooding causes more deaths annually than any other thunderstorm-related hazard.
On Tuesday, there was a heavy downpour in several states in Nigeria including Lagos, Oyo and Ogun.
The heavy downpour caused serious flooding leaving many residents and motorists stranded.
The rain which started around 2 am and 5 am in some areas and spread across the states lasted till a few minutes before 10 am in Lagos and parts of Ogun state on Tuesday leaving roads flooded.
In 2022, flooding affected 33 out of the 36 states in addition to parts of the Federal Capital Territory, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.
According to official data, the floods resulted in 612 fatalities, over 2,400 injuries, and displacement of 1.4 million individuals. Furthermore, the floods caused extensive damage to communities, agricultural lands, and transportation infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Approximately 200,000 residences suffered damage, with 332,327 hectares of land affected by the disaster.
As we are faced with the difficulties posed by increasing water levels, it’s essential to equip ourselves with information on how to ensure safety when dealing with floods.
Below are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones during flooding emergencies:
1. Stay Informed: Always take note of weather forecasts and flood warnings issued by local authorities to anticipate potential risks and take necessary precautions.
2. Exercise caution: Study your surroundings and adhere to safety protocols before navigating through floods. It can be difficult to distinguish between roads and drainage in flooded areas.
3. Avoid walking, swimming, and driving through flooded areas: It is best to stay away from flooded roads. This is crucial for safety because flooded areas can hide dangers such as submerged objects, open manholes, or swift currents, which can pose serious risks to pedestrians and drivers.
Walking, swimming, or driving through flooded areas increases the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. Therefore, it’s advisable to find alternative routes or wait until floodwaters recede before venturing into these areas.
4. Avoid construction of houses and other structures on waterways: Waterways are natural or artificial channels where water flows, such as rivers, streams, or drainage systems. Constructing buildings or structures in these areas can lead to various negative consequences.
Avoiding construction on waterways is essential for mitigating the risks associated with flooding, erosion, environmental degradation, and safety concerns as it helps to protect both property and lives.
It also ensures sustainable development practices that respect the natural flow and balance of water systems.
5. Turn off electrical appliances at home: Ensure to turn off all electrical appliances in your home, especially as water is a major conductor of electricity. This means there is a higher risk of electric shock or electrocution in flooded areas. areas with flash floods.
6. Pay attention to the weather to plan your movement during the day: Be mindful of weather forecasts and conditions to make informed decisions about activities and travel throughout the day
7. Ensure an adequate stock of provisions: It is crucial to secure sufficient supplies for survival. Basic food items and clean water are essential to ward off hunger and maintain hygiene amidst prolonged flooding.
8. Leave areas subject to flooding. You can move in with relatives who live away from areas prone to flooding.
9. Avoid drinking untreated water: Floodwaters typically harbour various contaminants, including fecal matter, chemicals, and debris. Drinking such water poses a significant risk of diarrhoea illnesses, dehydration, and potentially fatal consequences.
10. Use waterproof containers: Use containers that are designed to prevent water from entering or damaging your valuables.
