Twenty one local government areas in Nigeria have been submerged by floods occasioned by heavy downpours that recently greeted the country. This disaster that crippled commercial and social activities for days doesn’t look like it will go away anytime soon with predictions for the future looking gloomy as the rainy season fully sets in.

According to the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) presented by NIHSA earlier this year, 148 LGAs across 31 states were identified as high flood-risk areas. The ongoing flooding has confirmed the accuracy of these predictions, affecting states like Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Lagos, and others. What’s more is that flooding poses a risk of escalating the cholera outbreak, which has already claimed lives and affected thousands in the country.

This goes to underscore how serious and urgent the ‘flooding pandemic’ must be controlled to ensure that the risks that come with it are prevented and curtailed for the benefit of the masses. Already there are people forced to evacuate their houses after being identified as high-risk, and after seeing their homes taken over by flood. The attendant effects are one too many, and the government yet again is faced with the responsibility of bringing this menace the country experience every year to a lasting end.

In the meantime, as individuals, we must take steps to protect ourselves and our families from flood disasters that are predicted to yet come with the rain.

Don’t drive through floodwaters

Many people make the false assumption that staying in their vehicle will keep them safe from floodwater during the flooding season, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Almost half of all drowning fatalities are car-related.

Don’t drink unfiltered water

Untreated floodwater often contains many contaminants such as fecal matter, chemical substances, and physical debris. Drinking floodwater can expose one to diarrheal diseases, leading to dehydration and even death.

Relocate to higher grounds

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Whenever possible, try to relocate to higher ground. However, avoid doing this if it involves navigating through floodwater.

Maintain a line of communication

Either ensure your phone is fully charged and you are connected to information portals to listen for evacuation orders and other relevant information from the authorities

Avoid electrical hazards

Avoid any fallen electrical poles as they might still be live and can conduct electricity through flood water. Turn off utilities at the main source and disconnect all electrical appliances in affected flooded areas.

Avoid exposure of open wounds to flood water

​Open wounds are a gateway for bacteria into the human body. As covered above, floodwater is full of dangerous bacteria and one should avoid exposing open wounds to the contaminated water. Clean any wounds with clean water to avoid infection.

Stay Informed

Always take note of weather forecasts and flood warnings issued by local authorities to anticipate potential risks and take necessary precautions.

So you shall observe my statutes and keep my judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land of safety. Leviticus 25:18

Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October, 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old as young, women and children in various places from corporate organisations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets and communities.

It is in our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace leadership, the more peaceful our country will become.

So, this is a call to action, to hop on our Peace campaign train, to arm yourself, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, your congregation with contemporary peace leadership knowledge that makes for a happier and more fulfilled life, personally and collectively.

Kindly call or send a message on Whatsapp to +2347065828892, to be a beneficiary of this.

You can also get my book titled “The Peace-Sensitive Organisation” for more expert tips on promoting and leading peace in a public or private workplace.

Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace and Security Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.

Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

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X: Dr. O.E Bassey