A regression analysis of the impact of flooding on life expectancy and economic health in Nigeria

Heavy rainfall and climate change arise from anthropogenic activities and lead to flooding, which has dire consequences, including wanton destruction of lives and properties, degradation and pollution of the environment, environmental insecurity, hazards, risks and health challenges in Nigeria. This study regressed secondary data (2012–2022) on the incidences of flood disasters and their impacts on life expectancy at birth and economic health in Nigeria. Results showed that for every 1% increase in flood disaster incidence, life expectancy decreased by 0.0000016 and economic health decreased by 0.000008088. The study advocated people action and government policy-making and implementation for ecological conservation, restoration and succession, as well as disturbance ecology and green building, infrastructure and initiative, and disaster risk reduction measures to deal with flood disasters in Nigeria.