Day 1 Assignment
submitted by:
Name: Ekele Chiamaka Happiness
Phone Number: 08148845800
Email:
[email protected]1. Real-Life Disaster Scenario: 2022 Nigeria Floods.
In 2022, Nigeria experienced its worst flooding in a decade. Heavy rainfall, poor
urban drainage, and release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon worsened the
crisis.
Impact:
* Over 4.4 million people affected across 34 of 36 states.
* 603+ deaths and more than 2,400 injured.
* 1.4 million displaced from their homes.
* Widespread destruction of farmlands, roads, health centers, and schools,
worsening food insecurity.
* Economic losses estimated at over $9 billion (Post-Disaster Needs Assessment,
2023).
2. Response and Recovery Efforts
* Government (NEMA & SEMA): Coordinated evacuation, temporary shelters,
distribution of relief materials (food, water, medicine).
* International Aid: UN OCHA, Red Cross, and World Food Programme provided
humanitarian support.
* Community Response : Local volunteers and NGOs helped with rescue operations and
supply distribution.
* Recovery Actions: Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) guided recovery, focusing
on rebuilding infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihood support.
Limitations:
* Slow response in many areas due to poor road access.
* Insufficient relief materials compared to needs.
* Weak coordination between federal, state, and local agencies.
* Lack of early warning and evacuation systems.
3. Lessons Learned & Best Practices
* Early Warning Saves Lives: States with effective communication channels (like
Adamawa) had fewer deaths.
* Community Resilience is Critical: Local networks and NGOs filled gaps when
government aid was delayed.
* Preparedness is Cheaper than Response: Poor drainage and unplanned settlements
worsened the disaster—showing the importance of prevention.
* Data-Driven Recovery: The PDNA provided evidence-based guidance for rebuilding,
showing the value of coordinated assessments.
4. Recommendations for Improvement
a. Strengthen Early Warning Systems: Invest in flood forecasting technology,
community alert systems (SMS, radio, local leaders).
b. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Enforce urban planning laws, relocate settlements
from floodplains, and improve drainage.
c. Improve Inter-Agency Coordination: Establish a unified command system among
NEMA, SEMA, and local councils.
4. Increase Funding & Pre-Positioning of Relief: Stockpile food, medicine, and
boats in flood-prone areas before disasters.
5. Community Education & Training: Regular drills and awareness campaigns to teach
safe evacuation and survival practices.
6. Sustainable Recovery: Focus on climate-resilient infrastructure, flood-resistant
housing, and agricultural insurance for farmers.
