Flooding is a major environmental hazard in Nigeria that has defied solutions. The vulnerable nature of the affected areas is compounded by the tropical climate, rapid deforestation, unplanned growth, non-engineered construction coupled with encroachment on flood prone areas. Flood disasters are major threats to human life and reverse major developmental processes in any locality.
In the last month, torrential rains have wreaked serious havocs on lives and property in several parts of Delta State. But nowhere has the impact been as much as Ika land, where houses are constantly submerged and several roads rendered impassable as a result of excessive flooding. But to the extent that it is a national problem, government at all levels must come together for lasting solutions. From Uromi junction, Abraka road, Owa-Nta Community to Power line area in Boji-Boji,Owa the resultant flood which accompany annual rainfall have continued to destroy homes and valuable property.
As a result of this development, many roads are becoming impassable and lives are being endangered. Yet our worry stems from the fact that as bad as the situation may seems today, the worst is not over.
In Ika, flooding cannot be solely explained by the factor of nature. The habit of the people indeed plays a crucial role in what has been happening over the years anytime it rains. In several areas, most of the drains are blocked due to the indiscriminate dumping on the roads and drainages disposable empty cans and water nylons, among others. This dirty attitude quite naturally leads to blockages of canals and manholes, resulting in the type of floods that occur regularly.
There are, however, precautionary measures usually taken in times like this. For the safety of their families and other tenants, landlords should have the roofs and the walls of their houses checked by professional builders for possible structural or age-induced weaknesses that may increase the vulnerability of such structures during the rains. We also enjoin that blocked drains, especially in areas where flood waters easily accumulate and generate a strong force, should be cleared and subsequently kept free. It is a shame that we continue to suffer every year as a result of floods that could be avoided. In the past not less than one hundred persons were rendered homeless at Owa-Nta.More persons may be victims of the flood menace if an urgent step is not taken by government to remedy the situation. In all, while government is saddled with the herculean task of urgently addressing the gully erosion menace in Ika land, residents should compliment government’s effort by abiding by the rules and regulations guiding environmental sanitation control and stop pouring waste into drainages, roads and public places.
