Albert Science International Organization

ARTICLE DESCRIPTION: 

Ikyapa Tertese Peter, Adnan Abdulhamid, Terwase Shabu, Adamu Cornelius Smah, Flood risk assessment in urban Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, ASIO Journal of Humanities, Management & Social Sciences Invention (ASIO-JHMSSI), 2020, 6(1): 07-17.

^1&2Department of Geography, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Bayero University Kano

³Department of Geography, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi

⁴The Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL)

Doi : 10.2016-14781119; 

DOI Link :: http://doi-ds.org/doilink/12.2020-38538516/

ABSTRACT:

This study assesses the level of risks and damages associated with flood disaster in the area over a period of five years (2014-2018). Makurdi has been ravaged with episodes of floods over the years. The aim of the study is to assess flood risk in Makurdi. A combination of both field and archival data was used, and survey method involving the use of questionnaire was adopted in obtaining the required information, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was also employed in identifying flood-prone areas. Findings from the study revealed that flood is the most common environmental disaster in the study area 97.75%, mismanagement of water reservoirs (mainly dams), heavy rainfall, and inadequate drainage facilities are the major causes of the flood disaster. The frequency of flood occurrence in the study area was found to be often, occurring at uneven intervals. About 447.02km² of land area (55.6%) is exposed to high risk of flood. It was discovered also that disaster management/response organizations are making efforts in responding to the menace, however, their efforts are skewed primarily towards relief and rehabilitation support for the victims. This is highly inadequate in addressing the situation. There is strong need for the community, institutions, and all stakeholders to strengthen efforts towards providing feasible precautionary measures to the risks and menace of flood disaster in the area.

Key words: Flood, water, Risk Assessment, Makurdi, Digital Elevation Model.

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