SAFETY: Managing Health Crisis Caused By Flood in Nigeria

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

In 2024, Nigeria experienced some of the most catastrophic floods in its history. Heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers submerged homes, roads, farms, and entire communities under water for weeks, creating an immediate crisis and setting off a public health disaster. As the floodwaters lingered, the risk of a long-term health emergency became a grave concern that requires urgent attention.

One of the most immediate threats posed by the floods is the rapid spread of infectious diseases. Stagnant floodwaters, contaminated by sewage, animal waste, and toxins, have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This has resulted in a surge of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever, especially in flood-affected areas.

Out of Nigeria’s 36 states, 31 have been severely impacted by the floods. States like Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, and Bayelsa have experienced severe infrastructural damage, with homes, roads, and farmlands destroyed. In Bauchi State alone, critical infrastructure such as 60 culverts and 12 major roads have been washed away, leaving communities isolated and severely disrupting access to essential services. Major roads such as Bauchi-Gombe and Bauchi-Jos have been cut off, hampering relief efforts and transportation.

The floods have also exacerbated the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and diarrheal illnesses. With clean water sources contaminated and sanitation systems overwhelmed, these diseases have spread rapidly, especially in overcrowded evacuation shelters. Many communities are struggling to access safe drinking water, further fueling the health crisis.

The healthcare system, already under strain, has been severely affected. Flooded roads and damaged infrastructure have made it difficult for people to reach clinics and hospitals. Moreover, many healthcare facilities have been submerged or destroyed, leaving them unable to provide essential services. Shortages of medical supplies, including antibiotics, mosquito nets, and water purification tablets, have worsened the situation. In some areas, power outages and lack of clean water have forced hospitals to close or operate at limited capacity.

In addition to the public health challenges, the floods have led to severe food shortages. Vast swaths of cropland have been destroyed, leaving subsistence farmers with no harvest. Even after the floodwaters recede, many fields will be unusable, coated in silt, debris, or pollutants. Food price spikes are already being reported, threatening to push vulnerable populations into malnutrition. This will further weaken the immune systems of children, pregnant women, and the elderly, making them more susceptible to the diseases already spreading in flood-ravaged areas.

Addressing the public health crisis requires a coordinated response. The Nigerian government, alongside international aid organizations, healthcare providers, and local communities, must implement immediate measures, such as:

Establishing emergency medical camps in flood-affected regions to treat infectious diseases.

Dispatching mobile clinics to reach isolated areas and distributing mosquito nets and vaccines.

Providing clean water through purification systems and setting up temporary sanitation facilities.

Repairing damaged health infrastructure and ensuring the supply of critical medical supplies.

Distributing emergency food aid to prevent malnutrition and supporting farmers with resources to replant crops.

While responding to the immediate crisis, it’s also essential to invest in long-term flood management strategies. Developing early warning systems, building flood defenses, and improving water and sanitation infrastructure are crucial steps to mitigate future flood disasters. Strengthening the healthcare system to handle disease outbreaks more effectively and incorporating disaster preparedness into medical training will help Nigeria build resilience against future crises.

The floods of 2024 have not only destroyed lives and livelihoods but have also triggered a significant public health emergency. To control the spread of diseases, provide medical care, and prevent malnutrition, swift action is needed. By working together, Nigeria can overcome the immediate health challenges caused by the floods and better prepare for future disasters.