Environmentalist and human rights enthusiast, Muhammed Hydara has recently called for action as the country experienced its first flood.
Muhammed Hydara in a statement shared with this medium said “We call upon the global community, environmental activists, policymakers, and concerned individuals to join forces and prioritize the urgent needs of The Gambia. The time for action is now. Let us come together to address the root causes, implement effective solutions, and support those affected by this disaster”.
Hydara added that the Increased flooding in the highlands areas of the Upper River Region (URR) can be attributed to a combination of factors, including deforestation, inadequate drainage systems, and climate change.
Deforestation, according to environmentalist Hydara reduces the natural water absorption capacity, while inadequate drainage systems hinder water flow.
Additionally, he added that climate change contributes to more intense rainfall events, exacerbating the situation while stating that these issues must be promptly addressed to mitigate the impacts of heavy downpours.
“To combat the ongoing crisis, it is crucial to implement reforestation efforts to restore natural water absorption capacity, improve drainage infrastructure, and develop climate-resilient strategies. The government, in collaboration with international organizations and local communities, must take immediate action to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further damage,” he said.
The environmentalist the devastating consequences of the recent floods have left hundreds of households in the Gambian upcountry damaged, and an astonishing 2000 people grappling with the aftermath.
These individuals he said have lost their homes, belongings, and most importantly, their sense of security, and that they cannot afford to stand idly by while our fellow citizens suffer.
“Over the past few years, The Gambia has relied on the flood hazard map based on data from ESA (2017) and Geofabrik (2019) as a valuable resource. However, with the map’s development dating back to 2019 by the World Bank, it is crucial to acknowledge that our understanding of flood-prone areas may have evolved since then”.
He however stated that recent events, particularly a surge in heavy downpours, have exposed the vulnerability of the URR community, previously unidentified as a critical flood-prone region. This he said raises significant questions about the underlying causes of these flood occurrences in the highlands areas of the country.