Flooding: Seven Nigerian states most affected by annual rainfall

By Sandra Simon

With the constant heavy rainfall, severe flooding in various parts of Nigeria has affected many states, disrupted traffic, damaged many homes and ruined businesses.

The flooding has worsened due to blocked drainage and inadequate infrastructure, resulting in widespread traffic paralysis and stranded commuters.

Residents are reportedly experiencing recurring issues with flooding, with some areas seeing water levels so high that they are difficult to navigate.

Nigeria experiences significant rainfall across its regions, which has led to massive flooding in several states.

Here are some of the states most affected by the annual rainfall as well as flooding:

1. Lagos State

Many residents, including celebrities, have shared their tragic experiences of the heavy flooding in their areas.

Key areas affected in Lagos State include Lekki, Mile 2, Orchid Road, and Maryland.

2. Niger State

This state is blessed with significant water bodies, especially the River Niger, which is the longest in Nigeria.

But with the heavy rainfall that overwhelms local drainages and its proximity to the river Niger, the flood has massively taken over locations like Lapai, Lokoja and many others.

3. Kebbi State

Kebbi, in general, experiences flooding due to a combination of natural and geographical factors.

Places like Gwandu, Jega and Kamba are major places the identified as the flood-prone areas.

4. Borno State

Flooding in the state has not only damaged properties but also claimed the lives of people. Locations like Dikwa, Maidukamba and others are major places where the natural disaster takes place.

5. Gombe State

Due to the increase in heavy rainfall, poor urban planning, urban sprawl with construction in vulnerable areas, inadequate drainage systems, and increased population density.

The above exacerbates runoff and flooding, which, when combined with environmental factors, contribute to flooding events in the region.

6. Benue State

Areas that constantly face massive flooding in Benue State include Aggi, Gogo, Markurdi, Otukpo and a few others.

7. Nasarawa State

In Nasarawa, factors such as its location in riverine communities identified as high-risk by the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency, rapid population growth and poor urban planning, and the increasing intensity of rainfall caused by climate change.

These conditions are similar to other flood-prone areas in Nigeria and lead to widespread.