An assessment of flood vulnerability on physical development along drainage channels in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The occurrence of floods and its effects on human existence as well as the general environment has unfortunately been on the increase owing to human-induced climate change. Consequently, the vulnerability of the poor and the downtrodden has also increased; therefore the need to embark on sustainable human settlement development as well as awareness creation on the effects of flooding. As a result of this, this paper set out to analyze the causes of flooding in parts of Minna, with a view to providing solutions to forestall its impacts along the channels of River Suka. In order to achieve this, secondary as well as primary sources of data collection such as questionnaire administration and reconnaissance survey were undertaken. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed using the descriptive statistical method while the topographic and land use maps of Minna were digitized using the ArcView GIS package, which enabled the mapping of the Flood Risk Vulnerable Areas in Minna, Niger State. The result shows that human activities like construction on the flood plains, poor drainage network and relief of the area are primarily responsible for the perennial floods along the bank of River Suka. To this end, it was recommended that sensitization campaigns should be embarked upon by the government and stakeholders in order to create public awareness to the likely effects of flooding. The paper also recommended the monitoring by authorities, of water levels during the raining season, thereby allowing for the transmission of warning signals to the residents of the flood plains.