Characterize Human Mobility in Nigeria During Flooding Season and Its Impact in Shaping the Spread of Covid-19

In 2020, Nigeria suffered from both intensified flooding seasons due to climate change and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the interconnected dynamics of flooding, human mobility, and COVID-19 transmission in Nigeria during the 2020 flooding season. Utilizing a two-stage spatial panel econometric model, the study incorporates data from satellite imagery, mobility tracking, and regional COVID-19 case reports. The results show that flooding severity, along with heavy rainfall, significantly impacts daily human mobility, which in turn influences the spread of COVID-19. These findings highlight the complex challenges at the intersection of natural disasters and public health, underscoring the need for a national-scale flood management plan in developing countries such as Nigeria.