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Floods lead to tremendous losses of property, infrastructure, business and increased risk of diseases. Floods are also the most frequent natural disasters, affecting over 2.8 billion people in the world and causing over 200 000 deaths over the past three decades. The World Health Organization categorised the 2012 flood disaster in Nigeria as the worst flood to have hit the country in the past 50 years. This study reviews flood disasters in Nigeria and how they have been managed over the past two decades. The extensive review of the literature is complemented by data obtained from Ajegunle, a community in Ajeromi–Ifelodun Local Government Area. Because of its proximity to water bodies, its large population and its small land mass, the Ajegunle community is highly susceptible to floods and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The study also discusses the institutionalisation and development of disaster management in Nigeria. Further, it critically evaluates the disaster management framework and other current disaster management policies as well as the effectiveness and functions of the disaster management focus areas and government response. The study takes a historic approach to flood disasters, linking disaster management to human health with a special focus on flood-related infectious diseases, isolating waterborne diseases as being predominant. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to develop an understanding of how the people of Ajegunle are affected by flood disasters. This study reveals poorly managed health reforms and argues that in spite of government’s disaster management policies, there is an absence of organised and coordinated institutional structures to plan and respond to flood emergencies. It also revealed that diarrhoea outbreak was the predominant waterborne disease associated with flood disasters. Although Lagos State has been said to have the best flood preparedness plan in Nigeria, it has failed to reduce the yearly flood disasters and th

The purpose of this study is to explore the environmental and social impact of illegal gold mining on surrounding communities of Welkom. Different stakeholders, government departments and the South African Police Services faced challenges of reducing illegal gold mining activities because the operations undertaken do not resolve the existing problem. Both the environment and human beings are affected by negative effects resulting from unregulated e_vents such as prostitution, conflicts, crime, land degradation, HIV/AIDS, and others. Unemployment is considered to be a contributing factor to poverty in South Africa; however, it is believed to be the root cause of many other problems, such as illegal mining. In this study qualitative and quantitative research approaches were utilised using illegal miners or panners, stakeholders and the community as sample for the effective findings. Illegal miners comprise of the ones operating underground and above ground, as well as from different areas of operations. 132 respondents were selected to answer the questionnaires which are divided into three annexures which include panners, community and stakeholders; the questionnaires were answered depending on the willingness of the respondents. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using questionnaires, observations and interviews in order to get reliable information for the study. Illegal gold mining activities have resulted in grave health hazards linked with mercury utilisation during the process of operation. Lack of ventilation underground during the panning is established to be the cause of death of many panners. The data was analysed and interpreted using charts and tables. Illegal gold mining activities were found to be contributing to serious future disasters which need mitigation from different stakeholders as well as the community for the protection and sustainability of the livelihood. Despite having only negative effects to human life it was established to hav