ASSESSMENT OF FLOOD VULNERABILITY IN LOKOJA METROPOLIS, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed flood vulnerability in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State. The Geographic Information Systems analytical technique was used to assess the flood vulnerability zones of Lokoja metropolis by exploring the benchmark minimum and maximum water level sourced from the National Inland Water Ways Authority (NIWA), Lokoja area office for years 2006 to 2015. Data on Land-use/land- cover and flood vulnerability maps were generated from digitized satellite imageries sourced from Google earth imageries and the Gumbel‘s frequency distribution method. The study ascertained that the maximum water levels records corresponds with the area extent of flood coverage in Lokoja. The highly and most inundated areas are actually recorded in 2012 with area coverage of 3,638.19 ha, 3,011.2 ha in 2015 and least 1966.05 ha in 2011. By extension, more impact of flooding phenomena were felt more in years 2012, 2015 and less in 2011. Furthermore, the farmlands/ open spaces are most inundated areas e.g. 3,542.13 in 2012, 81.43ha of residential land use, 10.15ha of commercial land use, 4.38ha. of public and industrial 0.1 ha. The agricultural areas, and residential areas are the most vulnerable to high flooding while the industrial areas the least vulnerable. The study therefore recommends the preparation of flood management plan using the mapping of the flood areas done by the study and ensure enforcement by a joint task force that should consists of the Planning Authorities, Ministry of Environment, National Inland Waterways Authority and Ministry of Environment with each a clear cut role in ensuring safer floodplains management.