Do you want to know what causes flooding in developing cities like Lagos? What are the known causes of developed cities like London?
If you answered yes to the two questions above, you need to read this article.
Flooding is a global challenge that affects both developing and developed cities. However, the causes of flooding in these settings vary significantly due to differences in urban planning, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions.
This article explores the primary factors contributing to flooding in developing cities like Lagos and contrasts them with the causes of flooding in developed cities like London.
Cause of Flooding in a Developing City like Lagos
As mentioned in the introductory section of this article, the factors that cause flooding in a developing city may vary to those of a developed city.
Let’s take a case study of Lagos which is a developing city.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, is a rapidly expanding city with a growing population of over 20 million people. The city faces frequent and severe flooding, often attributed to several key factors.
Some of the notable factors contributing to flooding in Lagos include the following:
1. Poor Urban Planning and Infrastructure
The first and the major cause of flooding in developing cities is linked with poor urban planning. The rapid urbanization of Lagos has outpaced the development of adequate infrastructure. This gap between rapid urbanization growth and infrastructural development can cause a lot of damage.
Many areas lack proper drainage systems, leaving rainwater with no designated pathways. Then we have the problem of informal settlements and construction on floodplains. These two further exacerbate the problem by obstructing natural water channels.
2. Inadequate Waste Management
Another significant contributor to flooding in Lagos is blocked drainage systems caused by improper waste disposal. Plastic bottles, bags, and other debris clog waterways, preventing the free flow of rainwater. This issue is compounded by the lack of comprehensive waste management systems in many parts of the city.
3. Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels
As a coastal city, Lagos is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. When the sea level rises and rainfall intensity is increased due to global warming, the city is exposed to the risk of being flooded. In addition, the city’s low-lying topography further exacerbates this vulnerability.
4. Poor Enforcement of Building Codes
Lastly, there’s the issue of poor enforcement of building codes. There are so many unregulated constructions erected in Lagos. This contributes significantly to flooding.
Often, people just erect structures and buildings without adherence to zoning laws or environmental impact assessments. Hence, this disrupts natural water channels and reduces the city’s resilience to heavy rains.
Causes of Flooding in Developed Cities like London
Having looked at the causes of flooding in developing cities, let’s take a turn and consider the factors that contribute to flooding in developed cities. Of course, the factors are not the same.
London, one of the world’s leading global cities, also faces flooding issues, albeit from different causes. Despite having advanced infrastructure and urban planning, flooding in London is primarily influenced by a number of factors.
Let’s highlight some of the important factors that contribute to flooding in a city like London:
1. Riverine and Tidal Flooding
London is located along the River Thames. This makes the city susceptible to riverine and tidal flooding. High tides combined with heavy rainfall can overwhelm the city’s flood defenses. However, the city has a sophisticated defense system – the iconic Thames Barrier. This system mitigates much of the risk by controlling water flow during high tides and storm surges.
2. Urbanization and Surface Runoff
Like many developed cities, London has a high percentage of impermeable surfaces, such as roads and pavements. These surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. As a result, there is a high tendency for flash floods during heavy rainfall which may be caused by increased surface runoff.
3. Aging Infrastructure
Even with the advanced drainage system in London, these systems are old and aging. Most of the drainage systems in London were built during the Victorian era.
The aging infrastructure struggles to cope with the demands of modern urban life and the increased frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change.
4. Climate Change and Extreme Weather
The climatic cause of flooding in London is similar to that in Lagos. Climate change is a global concern.
London as a city has experienced an increase in the intensity of rainfall. This exerts pressure on the existing flooding management systems. Rising temperatures can also contribute to the risk of flooding. This is because high temperatures intensify weather patterns, exposing the environment to flooding.
Contrasting Causes: Lagos vs. London
Now, let us contrast the causes of flooding in Lagos and that of London. Here are a few important points to note:
Urban Planning and Infrastructure
In Lagos, the lack of comprehensive urban planning and insufficient drainage systems are major causes of flooding. In contrast, London benefits from well-thought-out urban planning. However, London’s challenges stem from aging infrastructure and the high proportion of impermeable surfaces.
Waste Management
Improper waste disposal is a critical issue in Lagos, leading to blocked waterways and exacerbating floods. London’s waste management systems are more robust, minimizing this problem as a contributing factor to flooding.
Climate Change Impact
While both cities are affected by climate change, Lagos’s low-lying coastal location makes it more vulnerable to rising sea levels. London, though also impacted, has advanced flood defenses like the Thames Barrier to mitigate these risks.
Economic and Regulatory Factors
Lagos suffers from weak enforcement of building codes and unregulated urban expansion, while London’s challenges are more technical, involving the modernization of aging infrastructure and adapting to changing weather patterns.
Conclusion
Flooding remains a pressing issue in both developing cities like Lagos and developed cities like London. However, the underlying causes differ due to variations in infrastructure, urban planning, and socio-economic conditions.
To address flooding in Lagos, the city’s authorities need to invest in infrastructure, waste management, and strict enforcement of building codes. On the other hand, London must focus on upgrading its aging systems and enhancing resilience to climate change.
By understanding these distinct challenges, both cities can work toward sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of flooding.