Avoiding another dam collapse, flooding and dislocation

The collapse of a dam in Borno State, and consequent displacement of people and animals should be a wake-up call for greater strategy and synergy in tackling flood issues across the country. The Borno incident is perhaps the most recent of calamities that Nigerians face from flooding yearly. It is necessary that the authorities work together to prevent a recurrence, and to minimise the effects and avoidable flooding episodes.

In recent years, Nigeria has faced unprecedented flooding, resulting in significant loss of lives, displacements, and economic disruptions. As such, the urgency for effective flood management has never been more pressing, as climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of these disasters. Therefore, as the country grapples with devastating floods that have submerged communities and farmlands, it is crucial to recognise that these occurrences are part of our climate change reality, but the scale of destruction and displacement can be better controlled.

Nearly 500,000 residents have been displaced across at least 10 states, with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), reporting the destruction of over 16,000 hectares of farmland. The collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State has exacerbated the situation, leaving over 239,000 residents in dire straits.

The damage inflicted by these floods is not merely a statistic; it represents lives disrupted, homes destroyed, and agricultural livelihoods shattered. Farmers are now forced to harvest crops prematurely, driven by the fear of losing everything to rising water level. This crisis threatens to escalate into a humanitarian disaster, with the United Nations warning that 26.5 million Nigerians may face food insecurity this year, up from 18.6 million last year.

While natural factors such as erratic rainfall patterns contribute to these floods, inadequate infrastructure, has clearly worsened the crisis and its mitigation. The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook has already predicted high flood risks in various local government areas, yet the response has not been swift or robust enough to prevent the current devastation.

This situation calls for a re-evaluation of the country’s disaster preparedness and response strategies. The federal government should take immediate and decisive action to enhance rescue operations and support for affected communities. This includes implementing effective early warning systems, improving flood defences, and investing in infrastructure that can withstand such natural disasters.

Moreover, the country must strengthen institutional capacities at all levels of government to coordinate flood response and recovery efforts effectively. Reactive measures that were common with the authorities have no place in modern dispensation, except with the kind of huge cost being witnessed in Maiduguri. The visit of highly placed officials of government, like that of Vice President, Kashim Shettima, to affected areas surely is an act of empathy with the people; but what the victims need more are actions to prevent tragic occurrences, and to mitigate their huge losses. Government therefore must prioritise proactive strategies to safeguard communities against future crises; and the time for action is now!

To transform its flood management landscape and safeguard its communities against the rising waters of climate change, a unified approach to flood resilience, encompassing strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and community engagement is essential.

Government at all levels should revisit the proposed establishment of a National Flood Management Council meant to coordinate efforts across all levels of government to ensure effective response to flood disasters in the country by the National Economic Council (NEC) at the 137th NEC meeting.

This Council should oversee the development of a National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, detailing protocols for emergency response and community involvement. Such a framework will ensure a systematic approach to disaster management, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to respond to flooding events effectively. Now is the time to see to the detailed implementation of the National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF).

Again, investing in resilient infrastructure is crucial. It is unacceptable that the Alau Dan infrastructure was allowed to cave in despite all warnings about the impending danger. Such complicit negligence, despite routine award of repair funds should not go uninvestigated and severely punished. Going forward is the need to upgrade drainage systems, construct levees, and implement green infrastructure such as parks and wetlands to improve the country’s ability to manage excess rainwater. Additionally, enforcing strict regulations against construction in flood-prone areas will mitigate risks and promote safer urban development.

In addition, implementing advanced Early Warning Systems (EWS) is crucial for timely alerts during flood events. Furthermore, by utilising satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies, Nigeria can enhance its forecasting capabilities. Also, it is imperative to strengthen relevant agencies like the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet); and create accessible alert systems to ensure that vital information reaches all citizens, particularly those in vulnerable regions.

In this era of information and communication technology, government should leverage data analytics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve flood risk assessments and decision-making processes. Experts should beam their searchlights into developing GIS-based tools that will help identify flood-prone areas and inform infrastructure development.

In addition, the Nigerian state should be intentional and deliberate about flood management by tackling root causes such as inadequate waste management practices that lead to drainage blockages. Furthermore, investing in renewable energy and sustainable practices can help mitigate the effects of climate change, which intensifies flood risks.

There should be stronger inter-agency collaboration among relevant ministries departments and agencies (MDAs) of government for effective flood management, while local government authorities should be actively involved in developing tailored flood response plans to ensure that strategies are relevant and effective at the community level.

It is equally important, as a nation, to build a culture of preparedness and invest in social and behavioural change communication (SBCC) for public awareness and education by regularly sensitising the public about flood risks and preparedness strategies. Hence, it is imperative to  have a strong communication component managed by SBCC and risk communication and community engagement (RC&CE) expert in order to incorporate indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) into disaster preparedness plans for enhance community resilience.

Against the backdrop that about half a million have been displaced in Borno State alone, while floods have ravaged communities and farmlands due to the dam collapse that has made farmers the hardest hit, it is only humane that there should be targeted support programmes for them. This may require the establishment of recovery funds, provision of essential resources, and enhancing agricultural extension services to help them adapt and recover more swiftly.

Achieving this may require international collaboration. Hence, engaging with international partners’ financial support and technical expertise would bolster local efforts and contribute to long-term resilience building; and enhance the nation’s flood response capabilities.

As Nigerians confront this humanitarian challenge, they should unite in efforts to build a more resilient Nigeria. The lives and livelihoods affected by these floods deserve urgent attention and action. Together, Nigerians can turn this crisis into an opportunity for growth, preparedness, and sustainable development.