Floods are among the primary disasters affecting many countries globally, especially in areas of plain topography. The downsides of floods include damage to properties, destruction of human and animal lives. In addition, disease outbreak such as cholera and malaria have also accompanied the effects of flooding.
Flooding is typically caused by heavy downpours of rains on flat ground. However, it can also be attributed to unusually high tides, tsunamis due to undersea earthquakes, faulty dams or water reservoirs etc.
Flooding has been a primary problem in Nigeria, and it is usually experienced at the peak of the rainy season. In 2020, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported that torrential rainfall, river floods and flash floods in September cumulatively impacted 192,594 people across twenty-two states.
The floods resulting from the overflow in Benue and Niger rivers flooded Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Sokoto, and Jigawa states. Also, in the south of the country, states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra and Delta states experienced floods.
Due to the floods last year, a total of 57 persons lost their lives.
Fast forward to 2021, the rains are here again and is set to reach their peak. To avoid the ill occasions of last year, it is important to make hay while the sun shines.
As expressed by the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, floodwaters should be used as a hydropower source for electricity generation and agricultural activities.
Reservoirs should be constructed at flood target areas ahead of the floods to receive the water when it comes. Then, instead of causing havoc, the water can be put to good use, such as electricity provision to improve power generation and supply in the country.