Why Nigeria Remains Vulnerable: The Earthquake Crisis We're Not Prepared For

When it comes to natural disasters, like earthquakes, Nigeria is lucky to not experience them. Our infrastructure isn't built to combat such disasters or forecast their occurrence. Unlike Western countries, our technology is still poor and would impose high damage if an earthquake happens. An earthquake in Nigeria would impact not just lives and properties, but also the entire economy. We aren't built to manage disasters of that magnitude; even minor disasters become a serious threat to us compared to disasters that could leave a lasting impact on the hearts of the people.

Image gnerated using Gemini AI

Personally, I'm not prepared for a disaster like that. First, that's because it's not common here and I have little knowledge about how to prepare for a disaster that can swallow up the plains it covers. I can only hope that nothing like that happens, and that's because I'm not prepared. An earthquake is a disaster that happens with no notice. Knowing fully well that my country does not have a device or technology that dictates possible earthquakes in an area, one can only be prepared for what one is aware of, especially for an event that has occurred more than once over a few years.

When there's a possible earthquake, the best action for me is to move from that area, far from where the earthquake is predicted to happen. I'll pack my precious belongings and move them to a safe place. I may not return to the same spot; I'll possibly evacuate from that area to avoid future occurrences because natural disasters happen with no warning most of the time.