Flash floods in the Sahel zone of Nigeria: A growing crisis

The Sahel zone of Nigeria, characterised by its semi-arid climate, has increasingly become vulnerable to flash floods in recent years. These floods have devastating impacts, cutting off roads and isolating communities, thereby exacerbating the challenges faced by the region. These impacts and crises require potential solutions as they are becoming a growing concern. Flash floods […]

The Sahel zone of Nigeria, characterised by its semi-arid climate, has increasingly become vulnerable to flash floods in recent years. These floods have devastating impacts, cutting off roads and isolating communities, thereby exacerbating the challenges faced by the region. These impacts and crises require potential solutions as they are becoming a growing concern.

Flash floods in the Sahel zone are caused by some significant drivers like climate change, deforestation, land degradation and poor urban planning.

Climate change that is of increasing frequency is intensifying the flash floods. Rising global temperatures have led to more erratic and intense rainfall patterns. The region, which traditionally experiences limited rainfall, is now witnessing sudden and heavy downpours that the dry soil cannot absorb quickly enough, leading to flash floods. the Daily Trust of August 14, 2024 reported that within the last few weeks, many roads have been cut off, farmlands flooded with crops and livestock destroyed, houses destroyed, communities displaced, and economic activities shattered.

Deforestation and land degradation have also contributed to the problem of flash flooding. The removal of vegetation for agricultural expansion, fuelwood, and construction materials reduces the land’s ability to absorb water. This, coupled with overgrazing by livestock, leads to soil erosion and compaction, further decreasing the land’s permeability.

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Inadequate urban planning and infrastructure development are also worsening the impact of flash floods. Many communities in the Sahel zone lack proper drainage systems, and roads are often poorly constructed or maintained. This makes it difficult for water to flow away from populated areas, leading to flooding.

In and around my home community, the roads including the Federal Express Way that links Kano to Yobe and Borno states at around kilometre 18 between Azare and Potiskum at Buskuri village in Bauchi State have been cut off, with another side of it linking Jama’are to Azare threatening to collapse, the road linking Kano to the states of Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba after Birnin Kudu in Jigawa State has also been cut off. So many other arterial roads have caved in due to floods within the year.

Villages have become submerged, houses and other social infrastructure like schools, hospitals and markets are destroyed with death tolls and a high number of displaced families. Farmlands were not spared with the large expanse of cropped lands submerged in waters and planted crops that are growing into maturity destroyed. The impact may culminate into very low outputs at harvest season and has the tendency to aggravate the food security situation of the nation.

In recent years, flash floods are washing away roads and bridges, cutting off communities from essential services and markets. This isolation hampers the movement of goods and people, leading to economic losses and difficulties in accessing healthcare, education, and other critical services.

The sudden nature of flash floods means that communities have little time to prepare or evacuate. This results in the loss of lives, homes, and personal belongings. The destruction of infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, and businesses, further compounds the economic and social impacts.

Agriculture is a primary livelihood for many in the Sahel zone. Flash floods are destroying crops, washing away topsoil, and damaging irrigation systems, leading to food insecurity and loss of income for farmers. The long-term effects on soil fertility can also hinder future agricultural productivity.

Floodwaters are contaminating drinking water sources with pathogens and pollutants, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and malaria. The destruction of health facilities and the isolation of communities further complicate the delivery of medical care.

As a solution and mitigation strategy, investing in resilient infrastructure will be crucial to mitigating the impacts of flash floods. This should include constructing and maintaining proper drainage systems, building flood-resistant roads and bridges, and ensuring that new developments are designed with flood risks in mind.

Reforestation and sustainable land management practices will help restore the land’s natural ability to absorb water. Planting trees and other vegetation can reduce soil erosion, improve soil structure, and increase water infiltration. Community-based land management programmes can also promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce overgrazing.

Early warning systems should be enhanced and implemented to provide communities with timely information about impending floods, allowing them to take preventive measures. These systems can include weather forecasting, river monitoring, and community alert mechanisms. Education and awareness campaigns can also help communities understand and respond to flood risks.

Disaster preparedness and response capacities essential for minimising the impacts of flash floods should be reinforced. This should involve training local authorities and communities in emergency response, developing evacuation plans, and ensuring that relief supplies are readily available. Collaboration between government agencies, humanitarian organisations, and local communities is key to effective disaster management.

Flash floods in the Sahel zone of Nigeria are definitely presenting a significant challenge, cutting off roads and isolating communities. The causes are multifaceted, including climate change, deforestation, and poor urban planning. The impacts are severe, affecting transportation, livelihoods, health, and overall community resilience. However, with improved infrastructure, sustainable land management, early warning systems, and enhanced disaster preparedness, it is possible to mitigate these impacts and build more resilient communities. The efforts of the Nigerian government, in collaboration with international partners and local communities, will be crucial in addressing this growing crisis and ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the Sahel zone.

 

Salihu Ahmad, FMA2, off Yaya (Petal) Abubakar Road

Fadamar Mada, Bauchi Email: [email protected]