It’s saddening that ravaging floods have affected most states in Nigeria. The Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency noted last month that 790,254 people were displaced by the flood, 500 killed and 1,546 injured with several farmlands and other property submerged.
The United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention noted that each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than any other hazards related to thunderstorms.
There have been several warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency about the imminent floods in October with more signs emerging for different states. The impact of a flood is grave but fortunately, one can protect oneself, family, and valuables through adherence to strict safety guidelines.
A professor of climatology at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Imo Ekpoh, described flooded areas as a wilderness, adding that it was dangerous to remain in a flooded area since it predisposes one to serious health hazards. He stated that the government was advised to discourage buildings in flood-prone areas, noting that the damage was already done.
He added that historic floods such as the current flooding submerged houses, destroyed farmlands, killed and displaced many people, and carried dangerous wildlife into people’s apartments urging extra care and safety measures in such areas.
On his part, a professor of Geography, Environmental Impact Studies, and Applied Meteorology at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Sadauki Abubakar, stressed that floods had become a recurring event endangering lives and property. He said that the livelihoods of some individuals depended on the river, stating that it was a bit hard to evacuate them from the flooded areas. He stated that understanding the natural flow rhythm of the flood would help to determine the recurrent interval of flood to avert the severe damage caused.
If you live in a flood-prone area or visit such areas frequently, adhere to the following safety tips given by environment experts to stay safe.
Find a safe place
A safety and environmental consultant, Gbenga Soetan, stated that when one gets caught up in a flooded area, the first point of call is to find a safe place or shelter or get to the highest level of the house. In the same vein, Ekpoh, added that evacuation was the first solution for flood victims and the best way to keep safe was to relocate to shelters or other safe areas until the flood receded. He urged the government to build shelters with adequate food, water, and drugs for flood victims to live in pending the time the flood ebbs. Abubakar further urged displaced flood victims to relocate to higher grounds for safety until they can return to continue normal activities.
Pay attention to early warnings
Several organisations such as NEMA, Nimet among others issued early warnings and periodical information to individuals to brace up against the flood. It will be wise to be abreast of information about imminent floods, especially in flood-prone areas. Soetan said that one must listen to available local channels for information and updates about flooding conditions in one’s area.
Ekpoh urged individuals to take adequate measures by listening to early warnings, taking valuables, and moving to safe havens until the flood recedes. He discouraged hanging around flooded areas which he termed dangerous since houses could collapse. Abubakar added that paying attention to early warnings by Nimet and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency was vital because it would guide one on precautions to take beforehand.
Avoid all activity
The safety consultant advised individuals to avoid walking, driving, swimming, or any form of activity in a flood to prevent all forms of hazards, particularly because one can be easily swept away by the high current of the flood.
Turn off electrical appliances
Water is a major conductor of electricity, meaning there is a higher risk of electric shock or electrocution in flooded areas. Ensure to turn off all electrical appliances in your home, especially in areas with flash floods. The safety consultant added that the risk of electrocution was high so one must avoid contact with wet electrical equipment.
Get ample supplies
The floods might last longer than expected, so getting ample supplies to survive the flood is paramount. Basic food supplies and clean water will help to prevent illnesses that could arise as a result of hunger and poor hygiene caused by the flood. Also, avoid washing, cooking, or cleaning with flood water because it increases the risk of diseases such as cholera and other waterborne infections.
Be conscious
It is advisable to study your environment and follow safety guidelines before attempting to navigate the flood. When a flood overtakes an area, one is barely able to distinguish between a road path and drainage. Soetan noted that one must be conscious of one’s environment while taking note of streams, drainage channels, and fast-moving water to avoid being drowned.
Use waterproof containers
Before the floods get worse, one can still save some valuables. Keep your important documents in water-proof containers to prevent them from getting damaged by floods.
