FG Warns Nigerians Of Impending 2023 Flood Disaster Due To Lack Of Preparedness

Nigeria Not Prepared To Handle 2023 Flood Disaster… FG Warns Citizens To Take Precaution

The 2023 climate-related disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies report has raised concerns over the potential disruptions that may be caused by this year’s rainy season and other weather conditions in Nigeria. The report was compiled by a technical committee of experts set up by the Federal Government to assess the severity of the weather and the preparedness of relevant agencies to deal with the impending challenges.

The report warns that the severity of the weather, combined with the lack of preparedness by relevant agencies, may lead to major disruptions in the country, affecting citizens’ health and infrastructure in key sectors. Roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure, as well as communities, are likely to be washed away, while disease epidemics may break out in many areas.

The aviation sector is not left out, as airplanes may skid off runways and cause major catastrophes. It is essential that relevant agencies take adequate measures to prevent these disastrous events from happening.

The report notes that severe flooding would likely wash away farms and lead to the destruction of livestock, thus causing severe hunger in the land. Severe weather may also worsen malaria, cholera, and other water-borne diseases, which will have a devastating effect on the already fragile health system. Moreover, it predicts that the challenging weather may escalate depression among Nigerians, who are already struggling with the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic.

The warning is contained in a document prepared and made available by the panel, which is chaired by the National Emergency Management Agency. The document indicates that the agency developed the early warning messages in collaboration with several stakeholders, including representatives of about 22 ministries, departments, and agencies.

The 22-member technical committee, which signed the analysis of 2023 seasonal climate prediction, includes NEMA, the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, National Space Research and Development Agency, National Inland Waterways Authority, Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, and the National Orientation Agency.

The list also includes the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Transportation, and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency.

Others are the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management, River Basin Development Authority, Jiga Dam, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Federal Fire Service, Centre for Disaster Risk Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency; Erin Dam, Osun State, and the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Minna, Niger State.

According to the report, following the public presentation of the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMet on January 24 and the Annual Flood Outlook by the NIHSA on February 17, 2023, NEMA convened a technical meeting of experts from relevant stakeholder-organisations who deliberated for two days and came up with the strategy as an early warning document based on thematic sectors.

The report is a call to action for relevant agencies to take the necessary measures to mitigate the effects of the impending weather conditions. It is a reminder that adequate preparedness is key to reducing the impact of natural disasters, and it is essential that stakeholders work together to ensure that the impact of the impending weather conditions is minimized.