Climate Watch: Heavy rainfall claims lives in Abuja, collapses bridge in Ekiti

Despite directly impacting our communities, health and livelihood, climate-related reports usually take a back seat to dominant news beats like politics and business. Climate Watch aims to ensure you never miss important stories on climate change and actions being taken towards limiting its impact.

Here is a round-up of last week’s climate stories:

• Heavy rainfall on the night of September 12 caused flooding that led to the death of three persons in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). The rain which started at night into the next day caused heavy flooding that outran houses in Trademore Estate, Lugbe,  submerged vehicles and left several properties destroyed. Akinfolanre Olowofele, a resident of the estate described the incident as a “huge loss”. He said about seven persons died in the area. But Justine Uwazuruonye, head of Abuja operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told TheCable that three persons were found dead during rescue efforts. Read more here. 

• In the drive to fix the climate and heal the earth, Nigerian youths have distinguished themselves through innovations that will help salvage Nigerian communities facing severe impacts of the climate crisis. One of such innovations is by Reeddi, a Nigerian renewable energy firm, which was announced among 15 finalists for Prince William’s £15 million Earthshot Prize for environmental innovation. The firm was shortlisted for its innovation — Reeddi Capsules, a solar-powered energy capsule that makes electricity affordable and accessible in energy-poor communities. Commenting on its nomination, Reeddi said: “As one of the global finalists, we are thrilled to see our work to #FixOurClimate recognized alongside so many other incredible solutions.” Read more here.

• As the rains get more severe, communities across the country are experiencing different degrees of the climate impact. In Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti capital, a bridge leading to Olorunda community collapsed on September 13, after heavy rainfall in the area. The bridge which links Olorunda with Olorunsogo and Adewumi communities in the state capital left residents stranded, following its collapse. However, the state government had ordered the immediate reconstruction of the collapsed bridge to ensure communities have access to the road to go about their daily activities. Read further here. 

• Yemi Osibanjo, Nigeria’s Vice President has continually opposed moves by developed countries to defund gas projects in developing countries in a bid to transition to clean rangers and net-zero emissions. The vice-president yet again recently made his aversion known during the conference on climate, conflict, and demography in Africa hosted by the International Crisis Group, the Royal African Society, and African Confidential publications. Osinbajo is of the opinion that defunding gas would be a “major setback” for developing countries who are still building their economies. He is however advocating a just transition and more effective engagements towards the target of net-zero emission by 2050.