Geospatial Application in Urban Flood Risk Analysis in Chanchaga LGA of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study represents a significant advancement in the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to address urban flood risks, specifically focusing on Chanchaga, Niger State. It highlights GIS as more than just a mapping tool, emphasizing its pivotal role in urban planning and emergency management for informed decision-making. By utilizing various data sources such as DEM, slope, elevation, drainage, and land use land cover data, the study identified and mapped flood-prone areas in Chanchaga. Through the ArcGIS environment and the analytic hierarchy method, a flood risk map was generated, providing insights into the distribution of flood risk within the area. The findings reveal that a considerable portion of the area, approximately 30.59% for very high-risk zones and 41.23% for high-risk zones, is vulnerable to flooding. Additionally, the study notes a significant increase in built-up areas over time, the built up increased from (30.15% in 2003 to 56.08% in 2023), highlighting the importance of proactive flood prediction, early warning systems, and management strategies. The practical application of GIS in mitigating material losses due to floods is underscored, emphasizing its role in implementing sustainable flood management practices. Ultimately, the research underscores GIS as a transformative tool for enhancing urban resilience and combating natural disasters like floods, contributing to the overall efforts in disaster risk reduction and management.