How to mitigate impact of flooding – Experts

As the impact of flooding continues to be a major concern in the built environment, experts emphasize the importance of effective urban planning and infrastructure design in mitigating the effects. Nwosu Obinna, the principal partner of CN Architects Ltd, highlighted that flooding is one of the most damaging natural disasters, causing significant financial harm to the built environment.

Obinna explained that urban planning and infrastructure design are essential in reducing flooding risks. Flood defences such as walls, flood plains, and green spaces are critical for absorbing floodwaters. Additionally, sustainable drainage systems and comprehensive flood risk management are necessary to protect against flooding. He stressed that building codes should require elevated structures, flood-resistant materials, and proper drainage systems.

He pointed out that flooding affects housing, infrastructure, businesses, and the broader economy. The causes of flooding are complex, including climate change, urbanization, deforestation, construction in floodplains, and inadequate infrastructure. The financial consequences are extensive and severe, as seen in the 2022 floods in Nigeria, which led to an economic loss estimated between $3.79 billion and $9.12 billion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Obinna also suggested that the Federal Government should implement policies to promote insurance and risk transfer through subsidies, tax incentives for flood-resilient development, and public-private partnerships for affordable coverage. He mentioned that catastrophe bonds could fund recovery efforts, and addressing climate change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and creating wetlands for natural flood defences is crucial.

Babatunji Adegoke also contributed to the discussion, stating that planning laws and regulations can effectively mitigate flooding. He emphasized that by complying with these laws, roads can be designed to withstand heavy rainfall, green spaces can be preserved to absorb excess water, and developments can be restricted to suitable areas, avoiding flood-prone zones. He stressed the importance of enforcing these laws to ensure compliance and public awareness.

Adegoke advised that addressing flood issues requires adequate drainage facilities, regular maintenance, and discouraging the blockage of drainage systems with waste. He also suggested elevating roads and infrastructure in flood-prone areas and raising awareness about the dangers of blocking drainage channels. Using permeable materials for road construction and incorporating green spaces can further reduce flood risks.

He noted that providing real-time traffic information during heavy rainfall can help minimize congestion, and using flood-resistant materials like concrete for road construction can enhance durability. He also recommended enforcing a force majeure clause in construction contracts and discouraging housing developments in flood-prone areas to mitigate flood risks.

Adegoke concluded that developing and implementing comprehensive emergency management and response strategies is essential for effective flood planning.