FLOOD MANAGEMENT AND HUMANITERIAN CRISIS IN NIGERIA: THE MADAGALI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA EXPERIENCE

Flooding has emerged as one of the most devastating environmental hazards in Nigeria, with profound humanitarian implications, particularly in flood-prone rural communities. This study examined the causes of flooding and the resulting humanitarian consequences in Madagali Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, Nigeria, as well as the effectiveness of flood management agencies. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving in-depth interviews with 25 flood-affected households, 5 community leaders, 3 faith-based organization (FBO) representatives, and 2 government officials. Data were analyzed thematically using descriptive interpretation supported by frequency distribution. Findings revealed that flooding in Madagali LGA is driven by a combination of excessive rainfall and river overflow, blocked drainage due to poor waste disposal, deforestation, and unregulated settlement on floodplains. The humanitarian consequences were severe and multidimensional, including displacement, loss of shelter and livelihoods, food insecurity, health challenges, and psychological trauma. Although government agencies such as National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) were involved in flood response, their effectiveness was constrained by delayed response, inadequate relief materials, poor coordination, and limited early warning systems. Faith-based organizations and community groups played more immediate and trusted roles in relief delivery. The study concludes that flooding in Madagali LGA is both a natural and human-induced disaster, requiring proactive, coordinated, and community-centered interventions. It recommends strengthening environmental management, improving early warning systems, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting inclusive disaster governance to mitigate future flood-related humanitarian crises.