Get ready, Nigerians! A staggering 148 local government areas spanning across 31 states are in the crosshairs of massive floods this year, Elanza News can report.
And that’s not all – an additional 249 LGAs in 35 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are at moderate risk. Brace yourselves for the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO)!
Already, 21 local governments in 11 states, such as Lagos, Benue, and Osun, have been hit hard by flooding, resulting in tragic loss of lives and property.
Elanza News gathered that the impact is far-reaching, with affected households facing potential business disruptions, job losses, and financial instability. The echoes of the 2022 flooding nightmare still haunt us.
The 2022 floods wreaked havoc on businesses, causing closures, revenue losses, and job cuts in the six most affected states. A staggering 91.3% of surveyed households reported significant disruptions to their businesses, ranging from physical damage to downsizing and revenue loss. Similarly, 80% of respondents saw their jobs affected, with wage reductions and even outright job losses.
These shocking statistics highlight the dire consequences of flooding on personal finances. Recovering from such disasters is an uphill battle for businesses and individuals alike. In fact, only 31.3% of affected businesses and jobs fully bounced back, leaving the majority still grappling with the aftermath.
The impact of the 2022 floods varied across the affected states, with 54.6% severely affected, 34.2% moderately affected, and a mere 11.2% experiencing minimal impact. With last year’s devastation still fresh in our minds, what can we expect this year? The Flood Outlook has already identified flood-prone areas across the country, painting a daunting picture.
The Nigeria Flood Impact, Recovery, and Mitigation Assessment Report 2022-2023 reveals the grim reality of lost lives, disrupted essential services, and economic setbacks. Both the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors suffered heavily, leading to substantial income losses and endangering food security.
This recurring pattern of flooding incidents over the past five years, Elanza News gathered, demands immediate action. The government and stakeholders must prioritize long-term solutions and mitigation strategies to build resilience against similar disasters. But in the short run, individuals and households can take steps to manage the risks.
If you live in flood-prone areas, Elanza News gathered, you should consider getting insured with premium packages that cover losses from disasters.
Stay informed by keeping up-to-date with local weather forecasts and flood warnings provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
Don’t wait for the worst to happen – sign up for alerts and have an evacuation plan in place. Remember, the loss of a life is the most devastating cost of a flood. Elanza News reports that people must stand together and face the challenges head-on to protect homes, businesses, and loved ones.
