Nigeria: Severe flooding in Ibadan June 20

Event

Heavy rainfall in the early morning of Tuesday, June 20, caused severe flooding and at least one potential death in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state. Rains reportedly began at around 05:20 (local time) and caused flooding in Apete, Ajibode, and Orogun as well as other areas in the Ibadan such as Old Bodija, Ashi, and Akobo. A local commissioner blamed the flooding damage (and injuries) on locals who he claimed ignored government warnings. The Oyo state government has reissued warnings to residents to avoid flood-prone areas in the state.

Context

On Tuesday, June 13, The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) announced that eight major rivers across the country are likely to flood in the coming months. According to the NIHSA projections, flooding is likely in the Niger and Benue River basins, Sokoto-Rima basin, Anambra-Imo basin, Komadugu-Yobe basin, Ogun-Osun basin, Cross River, and Niger Delta, as well as several other sub-basins. In total, 26 states have been designated as being at risk of significant flooding: Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, Yobe, Kano, Imo, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Kogi, Borno, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Kaduna, Jigawa, Abia, and Benue. Coastal flooding as well as flash and urban floods are also anticipated in 2017.

In Nigeria, the rainy season typically lasts from March to November. According to the NIHSA, the number of people in the country vulnerable to devastating floods is expected to continue to rise due to urbanization, population growth (particularly in flood-prone regions), deforestation, and climate change.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected region are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities. Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Monitor any relevant developments to the situation via local media, the authorities, and reliable weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.