View original article here // Al Jazeera
Experts say the frequency and severity of floods in Nigeria have risen due to climate change, unregulated construction, and poor drainage systems.
Mokwa residents also believe the flooding stems from “a bigger problem upstream, maybe a dam burst, but officials have not confirmed that so far,” Idris mentioned. Niger State has three major dams—Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro—with a fourth under construction.
Despite recognizing flood risks, there has been little political action to address them, according to Ugonna Nkwunonwo, a flood risk analyst at the University of Nigeria. “The amount of rain expected in a year can fall within one or two months, and people are unprepared for such heavy rainfall,” he told Al Jazeera.
Many areas lack proper drainage, and existing systems are often blocked with waste, leading to water accumulation on streets during heavy rains. Rapid urbanization without proper planning has also resulted in construction in flood-prone zones, decreasing natural water absorption capacity. Deforestation for agriculture and development further diminishes the land’s ability to absorb rainfall, increasing runoff.
Local leaders and residents are urging state and federal authorities to provide long-term support and infrastructure to rebuild communities and mitigate flooding.
“Authorities have warned communities along riverbanks to evacuate to higher ground, especially when rains peak, but each year, we see more lives and properties damaged by rainfall,” Idris stated.dris said.
Emergency services, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Red Cross, and local volunteers, are conducting search and rescue operations.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an emergency response that includes providing aid and temporary shelter.
“Search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilized to support the state government’s efforts,” Tinubu stated in a social media post on Saturday.
Nonetheless, damaged roads and bridges have hindered rescue and recovery activities.
Some flood victims are finding it difficult to access basic aid. “No one brought any money or food to help the victims. As you can see, many lack a place to sleep,” Hassan Umar told Al Jazeera in Mokwa.n Mokwa.