Opinion by PetersideDakuku: Flood, passivity, and a ruined future via thecableng
The floods have hit 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states and impacted around 1.4 million people, according to the ministry of humanitarian affairs and disaster management. It has been reported that more than 500 people have been killed and 90,000 homes submerged, apart from supply chain disruptions.
The impact of the flooding in Nigeria is exacerbated by a lack of respect for science and leadership problems. Our lack of respect for science and preference for superstition is at the root of the flood disaster we have at hand. Since we do not respect science, therefore we seem not to have any place for strategic planning based on scientific evidence. The flooding problem is symbolic of a country whose leadership at all levels does not value planning, working with data and proactiveness.
First, we must take the science of environment and climatic changes serious. It is noteworthy that in the recent instances of flooding disasters, it is not the lack of data and scientific knowledge that has been the problem, but the lack of effective and efficient use of data analysis to plan and put measures in place to either prevent flooding or reduce its impact. Our leaders act as if all environmental emergencies are Acts of God and, therefore, inevitable. This is baseless ignorance.
Second, the first line of defence against flooding is in arming Nigerians living in flood-prone areas with adequate science-based information on the risks involved in their environments, how to mitigate these and when to seek safety elsewhere. The institutions saddled with this responsibility must be alive to it and be held accountable when they fail in utilising scientific data to inform people about their risk levels and create robust early warning systems.
The federal government can use its security apparatus to support and enforce evacuations, maintain dredging and waste management, and invest in flood mitigation efforts and infrastructure. In flood-prone areas, it should work on enhancing food resilience and security. In times of disaster, food and medicine are essential to limit the casualties of the disaster.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
MBGN organisers unveil 2022 contestantsContestants in the 2022 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant were unveiled by the organisers, Silverbird Group, on Friday.
Read more »
Unity Preseason Tourney Will Prepare Nasarawa United For 2022/23 NPFL – Chairman, DanladiBarrister Isaac Danladi, Executive Chairman of Nasarawa United, has revealed reasons the NPFL side is placing much premium on the Unity Football Tournament
Read more »
2022 U-17 WWC: Flamingos Beat New Zealand 4-0Nigeria’s Flamingos got their 2022 FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup campaign back on track after a comfortable 4-0 win against New Zealand in their second Group B
Read more »
Osun 2022: Ademola Adeleke 'exposes' Oyetola’s plan to award N30 billion contractsThe Ademola Adeleke Transition Committee has alleged that the outgoing administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola has concluded arrangement to award capital projects up to the tune of N30 billion on their boys and cronies in violation to due process and procurement needs of the state.
Read more »
Made Kuti, Tunji Sotimirin, Edgar Eriakha to perform at 2022 MUSON FestivalMade Kuti will be featuring at the Festival Jazz night while Tunji Sotimirin and Edgar Eriakha will be starring in the musical play of Wole Soyinka ‘Child International.’
Read more »
Ballon d'Or 2022: Lewandowski names LaLiga rival as favourite to win awardBarcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has named Real Madrid's Karim Benzema his favourite for the 2022 Ballon d'Or prize. The ceremony for this year's
Read more »