THE ASSESSMENT OF FLOODING PROBLEMS

THE ASSESSMENT OF FLOODING PROBLEMS (ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the assessment of flooding problems in makoko area of Lagos state. The aim and objective was to identify and asses the drainage channel in the study area, the effects of flooding in the study area, to examine the causes of flooding in the study area and to examine past efforts of curbing flooding problems in the study area.

Both primary and secondary sources of data were employed with focus on the residents of the study area in order to capture their views on the effects of flooding on their environment.The research looks Makoko through the view point of the inhabitants, with the aim of finding out what the inhabitants want, need and would want to have, in order to improve their drainage conditions. The research solely focuses on Makoko community and the assessment of its flooding problems. The research revealed that 44(55.0) of the respondent were below 25 years, 20 of the respondent were between 25 – 35, 12 of the respondent were between 36 – 35, 4 of the respondent were above 46 years. The majority of the respondents were under 25 year. The characteristics of the drainage channel in this research work revealed that most of the drainage were open drainage while few were closed.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF  THE STUDY

.A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land  Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters in the world, claiming more lives and causing more property damage than any other natural phenomena. In Lagos metropolis, though not leading in terms of claiming lives, flood affects and displaces more people than any other disaster it also causes more damage to properties. At least 20 per cent of the population is at risk from one form of flooding or another (Etuonovbe, 2011).

Iwena (2005) described flooding to be the accumulation of an abnormal large volume of water in an area which has refused to percolate or flow away, it usually occurs when there is heavy rainfall in an area and all the water refuses to sink into the soil but flows on the earth`s surface as floods. When such floods occur in the cities it is referred to as Urban Flooding.

Etuonovbe (2011) stated that flooding may occur when water in the river overflows its banks, or sometimes results from a torrential rainfall due to climate change. It happens without warning but with a surprise package that always delivers to unprepared community like the ones in the Lagos metropolis i.e Makoko, Ikorodu, Victoria Island, Ajegunle, Bariga and so on. In Makoko, flood disaster has been perilous to people and communities.

THE ASSESSMENT OF FLOODING PROBLEMS (ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)