PLANNING RESPONSE TO WATER-RELATED DISASTERS IN NIGERIA: THE RIVERS STATE EXPERIENCE [ ]


The study evaluated the effects of the 2012 flooding in Rivers State in four (4) local government areas which includes:Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and what are the Town planning response(s) to these flood menace in Rivers State. Visits were made to sites of flooding where photographs were taken and analyzed. Most devastating floods were seen to be of natural causes such as River over – flow, Dam burst, and compounded by torrential rains etc. Flooding induced by the effects of these natural causes have also been seen to cause serious damage to people, damage of buildings, destruction of properties, health challenges, reduction of the aesthetic beauty of the environment, increase in poverty level and death. However man-made causes of flood disasters are seen to occur in these towns and villages being the centre of activity in many countries. Floods have brought about the displacement of many people in many countries. In some countries all floods bring about the loss of human life as well as properties. These have degenerated to uncontrolled erosion in some of the affected communities. Many flooded homes are not habitable until they are fumigated and cleared debris properly disposed. It is considered that good remedial measures could be brought in place to reduce the devastating effect of floods. However Town Planning has some respite as it emphasizes on proper settlement planning, effective spatial planning and the like to further reduce the effect of these flood hazard. The study thus recommends that the building of multifunctional safety camps/settlement would be of far reaching affect, particularly those built on high non-flood sites. Willingness and readiness to investigate and predict future flooding as well as fund the remedial proposals are important components to the management of flooding. The masses should be properly informed about the harmful effects of flooding in their areas and their role in fighting flooding through collaboration with the government and non-governmental organizations from local, state and federal governments alike.