Nigeria's flood disaster unpreparedness: Impacts on health and the society
This paper explores the health and economic perspectives of the floods and examines Nigeria’s preparedness for future recurrences. It highlights the health implications of flooding, such as waterborne diseases and psychosocial issues, and pandemic preparedness. Floods in Nigeria have been a perennial problem for over 60 years, occurring during the rainy season. Some causes include climate change, housing development on flood plains, poor urban drainage systems, and under-damming. The 2022 nationwide flooding crisis worsened Nigeria's poverty, food insecurity, and gendered vulnerabilities.
The authors recommend the advocacy for community-based early warning systems, disaster risk mapping, and operationalising the National Disaster Management Framework to address these challenges. Urgent action is essential to strengthen the resilience of communities against the brewing threats on their shores.
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