Even Without Seeing a Disaster, WHO Reports Taught Me This: Why Flood Preparedness Is a Health Priority in Ibadan and Beyond

Even Without Seeing a Disaster, WHO Reports Taught Me This: Why Flood Preparedness Is a Health Priority in Ibadan and Beyond

By David Oluwatimileyin Solomon

Certified Emergency and Ambulance Care Assistant | Entry-Level Healthcare Provider

As a Certified Emergency and Ambulance Care Assistant and entry-level healthcare provider based in Ibadan, Oyo State, I have never personally witnessed the full devastation of a major disaster. Yet, through careful study of reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health data, I have come to understand how quickly floods and heavy rains can trigger serious health crises — especially outbreaks of cholera and other water-borne diseases.

WHO has repeatedly highlighted that flooding contaminates drinking water sources, overwhelms sanitation systems, and creates ideal conditions for diseases like cholera, typhoid, and malaria to spread rapidly. In Nigeria, where seasonal rains often lead to flooding, these risks are not theoretical. Historical patterns show that floods exacerbate contamination with sewage and waste, leading to surges in acute watery diarrhoea and cholera cases, particularly affecting children under five.

Reading these reports made one thing clear: preparation is the most powerful form of prevention. Even if we have not experienced disaster firsthand, we can learn from global and national evidence to protect our families and communities.

What WHO Reports Reveal About Flood-Related Health Risks

According to WHO guidance on protecting health during floods:

Floodwaters can increase transmission of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and others by mixing with sewage and contaminating wells, rivers, and stored water.

Standing water also boosts mosquito breeding, raising risks of malaria and other vector-borne illnesses.

Injuries from debris, dehydration from diarrhoea, and disrupted access to healthcare compound the danger, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions.

In Nigeria, including areas around Ibadan and Oyo State, poor drainage and rapid urbanization often worsen these impacts. WHO emphasizes that timely access to safe water, basic sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is the cornerstone of prevention. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) remain a lifesaver for managing dehydration from diarrhoeal diseases.

Practical Preparedness Steps Every Family Can Take (Based on WHO Recommendations)

Drawing directly from WHO’s advice on flood health protection and emergency readiness, here are actionable steps we should all adopt:

Ensure Safe Water at All Times

Store at least 4 litres of clean drinking water per person per day for 3–7 days.

In a flood, never drink untreated or floodwater. Boil water for at least one minute, or treat it with chlorine tablets or approved purifiers.

Protect your regular water sources and avoid using floodwater for washing dishes, brushing teeth, or preparing food.

Build a Simple Emergency Health Kit

First-aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic, gloves).

Oral rehydration salts (ORS) — essential for cholera and diarrhoea.

Prescription medicines (extra supply for chronic conditions), painkillers, and basic anti-malarials if recommended.

Hand sanitizer, soap, disinfectant wipes, mosquito repellent or nets.

Flashlight, batteries, whistle, sturdy shoes, and important documents in a waterproof bag.

Promote Hygiene and Safe Practices

Wash hands frequently with soap and safe water.

Practise safe food preparation — cook thoroughly and peel fruits/vegetables.

Avoid open defecation and ensure proper waste disposal to reduce contamination risks.

Create a Family Emergency Plan

Identify safe high-ground meeting points and evacuation routes.

Know how to contact local emergency services (NEMA, ambulance, or health facilities).

Teach children and family members basic actions: what to do if phones fail or during sudden flooding.

Support Vulnerable Members

Stock extra supplies for infants (formula, diapers), the elderly, pregnant women, and those with illnesses.

Monitor for early signs of dehydration, severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or leg cramps — seek help immediately.

WHO stresses that these measures, combined with community-level improvements in WASH infrastructure, can significantly reduce the health burden of disasters.

My Call to Action

I may not have seen a disaster unfold with my own eyes, but the evidence from WHO reports is compelling enough: preparation saves lives and prevents unnecessary suffering. In Ibadan and other flood-prone parts of Nigeria, we cannot afford to wait until the rains come.

Start today — assemble your kit, discuss a family plan, and clear drains in your area. Share this knowledge with neighbours and loved ones. Small actions today can stop a health crisis tomorrow.

If you have questions about building an emergency kit, using ORS correctly, or basic first-aid steps, feel free to comment below or reach out. Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Protect your health.

David Oluwatimileyin Solomon

Certified Emergency and Ambulance Care Assistant,

Entry-Level Healthcare Provider and Researcher