Preview of Causes, Frequency, Extent, Magnitude and Intensity of Flooding in Nigeria

Abstract

This study previewed causes, frequency, extent, magnitude, intensity and charted a course of mitigating flood in Nigeria. This Study revealed the causes of flooding to include: climate change, unending rainfall, excess water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, river overflow, expansion of floodplains and poor planning. In 2022 flooding affected 7 million Nigerians, 2 million internally displaced, 5,000 physically injured, 5,900 houses destroyed. The 2012 flood had the highest number of occurrences of 18 incidences, in 17 each in 2015 and 2017, in 2018 and 2019, 12 incidences. 2014 and 2016, had 1 incidence. These frequent floods were recorded in 31 out of the 36 and the FCT, severe in Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Niger, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano, Jigawa and Lagos States. The extent of flooding includes shortage of food supply, farmlands washed away; economy, health, social life and environment were also affected. Corpses floated in floods, the country was at high risks of waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid fever. However, the benefits of flooding include rendering terrorists incapable in some states; deposit rich, fertile alluvium, replenish irrigation channels, filter pollutants, nourish lands to support ecosystems and fertile areas for farming. This Study recommended that individuals should not build houses in floodplains; government should maintain dams; flood management policy and collaboration between agencies. Experts should develop awareness, enlightenment, educational and legal framework to checkmate flooding in Nigeria.