Assessment of Urban Flood in Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

Kaduna metropolis has witnessed flood events since the early 1980’s. This has caused damage to life, property and infrastructure as well as loss of lives. Global climate change and rapid urbanization has increased flood events in the metropolis. Communities within the metropolis have encroached into the flood plains of Kaduna River thereby exposing them to flood hazards resulting to direct and indirect impacts on the community. An objective description of the present flood situation in Kaduna metropolis was undertake to determine the prevailing flood situation and the cause(s) of floods in the metropolis. Data for this study were obtained from field observations and measurements, satellite imageries, interviews and focus group discussions. Secondary data of rainfall and temperature record of Kaduna metropolis obtained from national Bureau of Statistics and flood incidences in the metropolis from Kaduna State Environmental protection Agency were reviewed. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were employed for this study. Data was analyzed using descriptive method of frequency distributions and map displays. Findings indicate that communities close to the Kaduna River are at a high risk of continuous devastating impact of floods as a result of continuous development in the flood plains of the Kaduna river. There is also an increase in rainfall volume from year 2004 (115mm) to year 2014 (169.5mm) indicating this as a major cause of fluvial floods. Anthropogenic activities of development into the flood plains, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in storm water channels, concreting of surfaces, laying of tarmacs, erosion of soil into the river channel, removal of vegetation for industrial, commercial, recreational and residential use enhanced flood incidences in the metropolis. It is recommended that government should focus more on measures such as restriction of development into the flood plains, sensitization and awareness of the dangers of encroachment into the flood plain and relocation of community members that are within the flood prone areas. These measures in addition to others will assist in tackling the menace of flood in the metropolis.