Flood Prevention: Simple actions we can take

Over the past few months in Nigeria, rain has been falling heavily across states in Nigeria, and this has resulted in floods affecting up to 27 states across the country.

A flood occurs when there is an overflow of water into dry land.

Prior to this year’s flood, the worst flood in the history of Nigeria was in 2012 and 2022. According to UNICEF, the flood in 2022 affected 34 out of the 36 states in the country, displaced 1.3 million people, killed over 600 people, destroyed 200,000 houses and increased the cases of water-borne diseases.

The current flood disaster is also causing massive harm, with close to 600,000 people already affected, over 200,000 people displaced, and 170 lives already lost.

While climate change contributes to recent floods, human actions also play a significant role. However, there are simple steps we can take to help control, if not prevent, flooding. Below are some actions that can help mitigate floods:

One of the main reasons floods are so severe is poor urban planning. Many people build on natural wetlands, areas that are more likely to flood. To reduce this risk, proper planning is needed before construction begins in flood-prone areas.

Another key step is maintaining drainage systems. When drains are clogged due to poor upkeep, water builds up, leading to floods during heavy rain. To prevent this, drainage channels must be regularly cleared to avoid blockages.

Planting trees, or afforestation, also helps control flooding. Deforestation—removing trees—makes flooding worse because trees absorb water and hold the soil in place. By preserving existing trees and planting new ones, we can reduce the risk of floods.

Creating artificial water bodies like dams and ponds is another solution. These can store excess water during heavy rainfall, reducing the amount that flows into rivers and streams. It’s important that these water bodies are located away from residential areas to avoid future problems.

Finally, community education is essential. Many of the actions that contribute to flooding happen because people are unaware of the risks. Educating the public about flood prevention and the steps they can take will help reduce the occurrence of floods.

By following these measures, we can reduce the fear and damage caused by flooding. While we can’t undo today’s floods, we can prevent tomorrow’s if we act now.