Flood Prevention Strategies: Addressing Causes and Ensuring Safety in Delta State
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has repeatedly issued stern warnings about the increased rainfall expected across the country, highlighting Delta State as one of the most vulnerable to severe flooding. Recent rains in Lagos, which inundated almost the entire city, serve as a stark reminder of the potential devastation. Ignoring these warnings can lead to catastrophic consequences. Residents in flood-prone areas must take immediate action to safeguard their lives and properties.
In recent years, Delta State has experienced devastating floods. The floods of 2012 and 2018 are stark reminders of the potential destruction, with thousands of residents displaced, homes destroyed, and farmlands submerged. To avert a repeat of such disasters, the Delta State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has proactively constituted a 20-member Flood Disaster Management Committee for 2024. This committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, is tasked with proposing measures to prevent and manage flooding, addressing the displacement of people, and providing relief materials to victims. 
On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in an interview with The Pointer, urgently called on residents in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground. This appeal is in direct response to NiMET’s 2024 flood prediction. Dr. Osuoza emphasized the state government’s proactive steps to mitigate the impact of the impending floods, noting that the flood management committee is set to present its recommendations to Governor Oborevwori.
“In the interim, those living in flood-prone areas should start making arrangements to vacate to the uplands so that even if the floods come, the damage will not be severe. Relocate to uplands now,” he urged. He also highlighted the importance of adopting better environmental practices to prevent disasters like floods. “Our people should begin to take responsibility for their environment. People should stop throwing things out of their vehicles into our drains because the drains are not refuse dumps. Some people, because they have refused to pay the PSPs, dump their waste into the drains whenever they see that it wants to rain. This is wrong,” he said.
Dr. Latimore Oghenesivbe, an Aide to the State Governor, during a radio interview on June 29, 2024, also urged residents in flood-prone communities to commence evacuation and brace for the challenges ahead. He outlined the major causes of flooding and stressed the necessity of proactive measures. He noted that flooding occurs when drainage channels are filled, and rivers and streams can no longer accommodate excessive water generated by severe weather conditions. He pointed out that human activities, such as sand mining, deforestation, and poor garbage disposal, significantly increase the risk of flooding. “It is expected that some drainage channels may overtop their natural or artificial banks, making it possible for water to enter the surrounding lands to cause flooding,” he added.
Residents in low-lying coastal towns and villages, areas near gully banks, regions vulnerable to landslides, low streams, and communities surrounded by rivers are particularly at risk. The state government has assured residents that temporary settlement tents and relief materials will be provided to those affected.
The repeated warnings from NiMET and the Delta State Government should not be taken lightly. The memories of past floods, such as those in 2012 and 2018, serve as a grave reminder of what could happen if these warnings are ignored. Residents in flood-prone areas must take immediate action to evacuate to higher ground. The safety of lives and properties depends on swift and decisive action. Let us not wait until it is too late.
In support of the calls from government agencies, the management of Ndokwa Reporters aligns with the warnings and urges individuals and communities to urgently take action. This appeal also extends to sister news organizations to educate the people about the consequences of disobeying these calls.
We also call on the committee chaired by Dr. Kingsley Emu to ensure that adequate provisions of necessary amenities are provided by the committee in flood-prone areas, especially the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, as the issue of bad sanitation, food, and security had often been seen as lacking in past camps, making many of those taken to the camps return to their communities. Additionally, necessary mechanisms should be put in place to secure the properties of the people as they are made to evacuate. This call also becomes necessary, as criminals have taken advantage of floods to steal from the remains of victims in the past.
The committee should not only think of the 2024 Flood management procedures, but work out modalities to solve the perennial problems of flooding in the coastal areas of Delta State. Furthermore, the flood committee should look beyond the coastal areas, as many of the towns are also prone to flooding as the rains increase. The committee should work with the necessary agencies and departments to ensure that drainages and waterways are desilted, and the waste from the drains is moved to dump sites. Only when holistic procedures are employed by the committee will we achieve a better flood management system for the 2024 flooding season.
Flood prevention in Delta State requires a multifaceted approach to address the root causes and ensure the safety of residents. One of the primary causes of flooding in the region is poor drainage systems, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and inadequate waste management. The government must invest in modernizing and expanding drainage infrastructure to accommodate the growing population and mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. Implementing stricter regulations on waste disposal and encouraging community participation in maintaining clean drainage channels can also significantly reduce the risk of blockages that lead to flooding.
Another crucial strategy involves enhancing early warning systems and disaster preparedness. The Delta State government, in collaboration with meteorological agencies, should invest in advanced weather forecasting technologies and establish a robust communication network to disseminate timely alerts to residents. Educating the public on emergency response protocols and conducting regular drills can help communities respond more effectively to flood threats. Additionally, constructing flood barriers and levees in high-risk areas can provide physical protection and minimize damage during flood events.
Long-term solutions should focus on sustainable land use and environmental conservation. Deforestation and unregulated construction contribute to soil erosion and reduced water absorption, worsening flood conditions. The government must enforce land use regulations that promote green spaces, reforestation, and the preservation of natural waterways. Encouraging the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices and supporting initiatives that restore wetlands can enhance the region’s natural flood defenses. By addressing these underlying issues and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, Delta State can build resilience against future floods and ensure the safety of its residents.
