A flood occurs when a large amount of water covers an area of land that is usually dry. Water can be likened to a living being that delights in it's freedom and will go to any length to express itself if it feels restricted. This is what has resulted in the increase in the rates of flooding. Floods are as a result of the water bodies seeking an escape. This article is written to enlighten the public on the issue of flooding and how it can be properly controlled.First of, the causes of flooding will be considered.

A major cause is heavy or torrential rainfall. Long periods of rainfall makes it difficult for the available soil surface to absorb the water because it has become saturated. As a result of this, the water can only remain on the surface waiting to be acted upon by evaporation and indirectly flooding the land.
The construction of houses and other buildings along the water way is another contributing factor. It has been discovered that most cases of flooding occur as a result of people constructing buildings and the like in places meant for water to flow through. This causes an obstruction in the water's path and in its bid to flow, it deviates into buildings and properties along its path which people term flooding.

The improper disposal of waste is another cause of flooding. Most states in the country lack proper or inadequate waste disposal systems. The residents of such states have been seen to dispose their refuse in the drainage system around. This clogs it up and inhibits the water's flow which causes it to move outwards; flooding surrounding areas.

A further cause is deforestation and other unfavorable agricultural practices. Deforestation is the cutting of trees, thereby increasing the surface area of land exposed to the forces of erosion and flooding. The presence of trees in a place makes it difficult for the land surface to be acted upon by wind and water. Other practices like overgrazing and use of machinery on the farm land in the long run causes compaction of the soil. This compaction prevents the soil from absorbing surface water and increases the risk of flooding.

Having considered some of the causes of flooding, it is important that the effects be addressed as well as this will go a long way in reshaping our perspective of it.

Most cases of flooding are accompanied by loss of lives and properties. Floods have damaged properties worth thousands of naira and also led to the loss of lives. Properties can always be rebuilt but same cannot be said for the lives lost.
Flooding has led to the destruction of crops and loss in soil fertility. Certain crops like swamp rice are known to do well in flooded situations but other crops cannot survive this and are swept away by the water. It leads to loss in soil fertility when the topsoil which happens to be rich in nutrients is washed away by water thereby leaving an eroded surface lacking nutrients and unfit for agriculture. This affects food availability in the country.

Diseases like diarrhoea and other water borne diseases become rampant in seasons of flood. The flood waters contaminate available water's resulting in health related challenges.

Measures have to be arrived at to mitigate the effects of flooding. The government should help build more drainage systems in order to reduce the incidence of flood.

The government should help build more drainage systems in order to reduce the incidence of flood.

Proper measures should be carried out to monitor water levels which will warn of imminent flood.

Residents should be educated on the danger of dumping refuse in the drains.

Unwholesome agricultural practices should be discouraged.

Finally, proper house planning should be done before buildings are erected to prevent building along waterways.

This will help in reducing the incidence of floods in the nation and ensure that the residents are well informed to contribute their quota for national progress.