Disaster Management in Nigeria // Bayelsa // Yenagoa by @sahmie

_{Cover Image by @Sahmie using Pixellab}

Greetings to everyone in this great community. I welcome you all to my page. Today I will be taking you about Disaster Management in my city.

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FLOOD IN MY CITY

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Flood has been the most devastating natural disaster in this part of the world which has constantly impacted negatively the social well-being of the masses in Yenagoa and Nigeria at large. The flood affects and displaces several people from their homes, rendering them squatting with relatives or worse, homeless. It also results in many property damages ranging from electronics, furniture and even buildings.

Flood disasters are hazardous to the people, communities and institutions. I remember never experiencing such bug floods while I was a kid, but as I grew up, it is fast becoming a yearly incident. Especially the Niger Delta area is always affected by floods which in turn chase most inhabitants away from their socio-cultural and economic environment.

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In Bayelsa, the whole state experiences flooding and its devastating consequences every year, with the most impacted areas being Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw, Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Yenagoa, where communities are flooded annually.

Back in the year 2012, Bayelsa State was listed as one of the worst affected states in Nigeria, as it was cut off from the rest part of the Nation.

Usually, during September and October every year, the people of Yenagoa and the rest of the state endure severe flooding with over 12,000 plus people being rendered homeless.

WHAT DO I DO?

The flood severely affects residents, businesses and schools, which leads to the shutting down of several businesses. There is little or nothing I can do to stop the flooding so instead, I get prepared for it by carrying out certain routines before and during the flood.

Before the Flood

• Unplugging my electronic appliance and equipment in wait of flooding.
• Moving furniture and other properties to higher ground.

During the Flood

• Checking the media outlets for crisis information and updates on floods.
• Evacuating my home if deemed necessary.
• Moving to higher ground for shelter if my home gets affected.
• Watch out for reptiles as they seek higher grounds also.

HOW DOES YOUR GOVERNMENT HELP YOU?

During floods, The government of the state helps by distributing relief materials to flood victims. Items distributed usually include mosquito tents, food items (such as rice, beans, garlic, vegetable oil, tin tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and mattresses) and blankets to help flood victims reduce the burden.

In some cases, shelter is being provided for those affected, the only problem is not everyone can use such shelters.

WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES?

When such an incident occurs, it usually causes anxiety among residents, especially with more rainfall occurring, no one knows when or how the flood will stop or reach. Thus, it is necessary to calm their nerves with the hope of better days ahead. Let that affected know that they are not alone in this dilemma, for which will pass and life will go on.

WHAT ARE THE PLAN FOR YOU AND YOUR GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT SUCH TYPE OF DISASTER IN FUTURE?

So far, there is little to nothing from the government, but like the citizens, the government has a role to play in mitigating the effects of floods in the state, which are;

• Opening up closed Natural waters ways such as the Canals within the state.
• Construction and maintenance of good drainage networks to help direct water to natural water bodies and stop street flooding.
• Stop people from building their structures on natural water channels as they prevent water from finding its way into the creeks.

Epie Creek that requires Opening for water to flow Location 📍

With all this and many more in place, we can bring the devastating effect of flooding to a bearable minimum.

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I wish to invite @rafk, @afunkycares and @ruthjoe, and any other persons who would like to participate too to CLICK HERE for more instructions.

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Thank you all for always making out time to go through my work, and I only hope you enjoyed it😉😁. I can never say thank you enough. You are my real MVPs.

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NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.