With the onset of heavy rains throughout Nigeria, people experience a common blend of happiness and anxiety—fear of flooding and its potential consequences.

Usually running from March until October across much of the nation, this period is characterized by regular thunderstorms, flooding, sudden heavy rains, and a rise in traffic incidents caused by driver errors.

Although the rain offers respite from the hot, arid conditions and dried-out fields, it also brings increased risks of disease spread, floods, and damage to buildings and systems.

Authorities responsible for health and emergencies caution that, without proper readiness and knowledge, this time of year can pose significant risks to young people, seniors, and individuals living in areas with high population density or susceptibility to flooding.

This article from Weekend Trust outlines essential advice for driving safely, safeguarding your well-being, and remaining secure throughout the rainy season.

Guard against waterborne diseases

Intense rainfall frequently overburdens sewage networks and pollutes drinking water supplies. In remote regions, people might depend on rivers or manually dug wells, whereas in cities, faulty or damaged water pipelines can lead to contact with contaminated water. Such situations raise the likelihood of contracting water-related diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.

For your safety, make sure that all drinking water is either boiled, filtered, or treated with purification pills. Refrain from drinking water taken directly from exposed or unprocessed sources. Clean your hands frequently with soap, particularly prior to eating and following restroom use. Also, store food securely to avoid pollution from flies, which multiply quickly throughout this time of year.

Prevent Mosquito-Borne Infections

Cases of malaria increase during the rainy season, fueled by still water found in gutters, uncovered containers, and clogged drains which provide perfect environments for mosquito reproduction.

To lower your chances of infection, remove any stagnant water near your house and nearby areas. It is recommended to sleep beneath mosquito nets treated with insecticides, particularly for kids and seniors. Apply mosquito repelling products, dress in clothes that cover your arms during the night, and ensure doors and windows remain closed as daylight fades. Young ones should refrain from staying outdoors past sunset when mosquitoes are most active.

Watch out for colds and breathing-related diseases

Heavy rain, moist interior areas, and limited exposure to sunshine lead to extended periods needed for clothes to dry, as well as higher chances of catching influenza, common colds, and pneumonias. Kids and senior citizens are particularly at risk.

Dress in warm, dry attire like socks, jumpers, and similar items, and switch into clean clothes right away if you get drenched in rain. Ventilate moist areas and steer clear of using damp beddings. Consume warm drinks and incorporate food high in vitamin C, including oranges, pineapples, and green vegetables, into your diet to enhance immune function. It’s advisable to refrain from consuming cold drinks and taking cold showers.

Take care while driving
Be cautious on the highways
Exercise caution when traveling
Ensure your safety during commutes
Maintain vigilance while on the road
Keep yourself secure while navigating traffic
Prioritize safety as you travel
Watch out while moving through streets
Stay alert during your journey
Guard against risks while on the move

Traffic situations frequently worsen with rainfall. Reduced visibility, waterlogged streets, slick terrain, and concealed craters lead to more collisions and harm.

Motorists are encouraged to reduce speed, turn on their lights when facing intense rainfall, and steer clear of areas with deep or rapidly moving water. Walkers must remain cautious of exposed sewer grates and open drains that could be concealed under flooding. If feasible, postpone journeys during severe weather conditions or prepare alternative paths beforehand.

Flood preparedness is crucial

Floods continue to be among the most hazardous elements during the wet season, forcing many people from their homes annually and causing harm to residences and enterprises.

Individuals living in regions prone to hazards are advised to assemble emergency supplies including dry clothing, rain jackets, footwear, prescription drugs, flashlights, spare batteries, and important papers stored in water-resistant containers. Elevate electronic devices and precious items from the floor level and remain attentive to weather updates and flood alerts released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) or the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Collective efforts like clearing obstructed drainage systems and downspouts can assist in minimizing the likelihood of floods.

Practise good environmental hygiene

Frequent rainfall can exacerbate current sanitation problems, leading to waste overflowing and wastewater combining with surface water.

Do not throw waste into sewers or waterways; take part in community cleanup activities. Remove garbage and overgrown plants near your house consistently and inform local officials about clogged drainage systems. Keeping the surroundings tidy helps prevent the proliferation of insects, rats, and mosquitoes, leading to better public health conditions within the neighborhood.

Safeguard your skin and soles

Prolonged contact with water, wet soil, and moist interior flooring may result in skin diseases, mold development, and issues affecting the feet.

Stay away from going without shoes, both inside and outside, particularly on damp tiles or dirty areas. Use waterproof shoes when you’re outside and make sure to dry your feet completely after being exposed to rainwater. Inside the house, put on socks or use slippers. Use anti-fungal lotions or sprays as soon as you notice any tingling or alterations in your skin, and consult a doctor if the issues continue.

Prevent electrical and fire risks

Electricity and water can lead to severe accidents. In cases of heavy rainfall, shocks and fires caused by damaged electrical systems are frequently observed, particularly in older structures.

Disconnect electronic devices when storms occur and refrain from handling switches with damp hands. Should you come across visible or downed electric wires, stay away. Rather, notify authorities right away.

Prepare in advance and keep yourself updated

Due to potential restrictions on accessing markets, roads, or services during extreme weather conditions, it is recommended to prepare ahead by gathering necessary supplies such as non-expiring foods, potable water, medicines, gasoline, and battery power.

Maintain fully charged mobile devices and carry auxiliary power options such as portable chargers or generators. Keep track of weather updates and official warnings through reliable news channels, and remain connected with neighbors, acquaintances, or neighborhood associations in case of sudden changes.

Medical professional Dr. Dave Okorafor, who works abroad, provided information about the dangers and health issues worsened during this time of year.

During the wet season, there is typically an increase in instances of water-related illnesses such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid due to a higher likelihood of water supplies becoming polluted.

In villages where clean drinking water isn’t available, rivers and natural springs become polluted as runoff carries various types of waste—such as animal manure and human waste. In certain city neighborhoods, sewage systems can also burst open, polluting the surroundings. At times, wells situated close to sewer lines may be exposed to tainted groundwater.

“Additionally, we usually experience more instances of malaria since mosquitoes reproduce in still water found in containers near houses throughout the rainy season,” he stated.

He recommended increasing public understanding of avoidable seasonal diseases, highlighting increased focus on cleanliness of food and water.

Parents, and adults in general, must be more cautious about the cleanliness of their food and drinks. Poor quality drinking water and water utilized in cooking can harbor harmful bacteria responsible for diseases like cholera and typhoid. Children are especially at risk from cholera as it leads to severe fluid loss.

There have been recorded instances of cholera epidemics across various regions in Nigeria, resulting in numerous child fatalities. Severe, untreated typhoid fever may lead to intestinal rupture, which carries a significant risk of death.

There are also health conditions triggered by contact with environmental allergens, particularly pollen, which is plentiful during the rainy season. Notably, seasonal allergies occur, leading to symptoms such as itchy eyes, conjunctivitis, and a stuffy nose.

Parents can reduce the likelihood of these illnesses by being extremely careful about cleanliness and ensuring that all drinking water is boiled. Whenever feasible, steer clear of exposed, unfiltered water. It’s advisable to limit consumption of common vegetables like eggplants, leafy greens consumed raw, and dishes made from them (like abacha).

Ideally, each child below five years old must sleep beneath a mosquito net, irrespective of the time of year. This measure is essential in stopping malaria transmission. Discarded cans and similar containers ought to be turned over to prevent them from becoming unintentional habitats for mosquitoes. Drain pipes should be emptied and secured, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

The wet season brings colder temperatures, requiring additional measures to ensure children stay warm and reduce their chances of experiencing allergies and influenza. Regarding cholera, all aspects of its prevention depend on cleanliness, as mentioned earlier.

The wet season typically brings chilly and moist conditions. Individuals suffering from asthma and those with atopic tendencies (airways that are genetically overreactive) often experience increased symptoms during colder periods. Exposure to cold air can activate these sensitive air passages, leading to narrowing of the airways and excessive production of mucus. Both factors contribute to difficulty in breathing for individuals with asthma and atopy. Those affected should stay warm, steer clear of cold settings, and carry an inhaler or Ventolin tablets as needed.

Pneumonia isn’t directly triggered by cold weather itself; nevertheless, the immune system tends to be weaker during colder periods. Moreover, since the common cold—a type of upper respiratory infection—spreads more easily in chilly conditions, instances of droplet transmission that may result in pneumonia—an illness affecting the lower respiratory tract—increase, he explained.

Tips for driving in the rain-season

Nigeria is currently experiencing its rainy season, accompanied by heavy rains that have led to a noticeable increase in traffic collisions. Navigating roads during rainfall demands increased vigilance to maintain security, regardless of the severe climatic circumstances. Below are some tips for staying secure while operating a vehicle and preventing hazardous scenarios.

Slow down more than normal. Traveling at fast speeds during rainfall can lead to dangerous situations. This raises the chances of losing control of your car and also makes it more likely to hit large puddles or deep holes, which may harm your vehicle or result in an incident such as crashes.

Regularly inspect and maintain your windshield wipers, along with checking your air conditioning system and its vents, to make sure both the cooling and heating functions are operating properly.

Ensure that your windshield wipers and air conditioning systems are functioning correctly. They play a crucial role in enhancing visibility while driving during rainy conditions.

Additionally, make sure your vehicle’s lights are working correctly, particularly in wet weather conditions. This ensures clear visibility of the road ahead and increases your visibility to other motorists, helping prevent accidents.

Above all, stay away from waterlogged zones since they might be more severe than they seem. Traveling through these areas could harm your engine or cause your car to lose control.

Similarly to the rules, there are just as many restrictions drivers must follow during this time of year.

Avoid making abrupt actions such as quick braking, rapid acceleration, or sharp turns because these can lead to sliding on damp surfaces, posing a risk.

An essential rule is avoiding driving excessively near other cars.

Rainy streets cause longer stopping times, and abrupt braking may result in accidents. Maintain a proper gap between your car and the one ahead so you have sufficient time to respond if it comes to a halt or moves suddenly.

Stay constantly vigilant. Not all individuals adhere to safety guidelines. Motorcycles (okadas), buses, and walkers might perform unexpected actions, particularly when attempting to dodge puddles or heavy traffic. As you remain attentive, make sure you aren’t diverted by using your mobile device. If the standard recommendation is to refrain from talking on the phone while driving, then motorists must exercise additional caution to avoid making calls while operating their vehicles during rainfall. Should the conversation be crucial and cannot be delayed, locate a secure spot to stop before answering or initiating the call.

Additionally, always remember to wear your seatbelt whenever you are behind the wheel.

At the official site of the Federal Road Safety Corps, lately, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed has called upon motorists to exercise additional caution throughout the rainy period because of limited sight and slick road surfaces. He recommended checking that windshields are clear, lighting systems function properly, wiper blades work effectively, tires are in good condition, and speeds are kept low. Motorists ought to switch on their headlamps during rain and refrain from traveling if they find it difficult to manage damp situations. Officers under FRSC have received instructions to enhance community education efforts as well as implement stricter adherence to safety protocols.

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