FLOODING AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN WARRI, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This research was carried out to determine the effects of flooding on human activities in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. Floods are common natural and human induced disaster occurring in most parts of the world. It poses serious threats to various activities that are carried out particularly human activities. The study was carried out with the aim of examining the activities that influence flooding in Warri, to identify the effects of flooding on human activities and to examine the measures that were targeted at controlling and adapting to flood events in the area. Structured questionnaire was administered for data collection and was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), simple percentage, frequency distribution tables and charts were also employed in the analysis of data. Findings from the study revealed that anthropogenic activities such as improper waste disposal and poor drainage facilities are the major factors leading to flooding in Warri. The study also found that flooding have adverse effects on human activities, such effects includes; disruption in market, hike in transportation cost, road congestion and traffic, disruption of events, relocation of residents and low business patronage among others. However, the major effect is on market. The coping strategies adopted by residents in Warri in response to flooding are rehabilitation of drainage systems, sand filling, and use of water protective gear, elevation of building foundations, and creation of water ways. Based on the findings, the study concludes that flood is disastrous and it is indeed a threat on human activities in Warri, thus the study recommends that the issue of improper waste disposal should be handled and there should be an introduction of high fines for indiscriminate dumping of waste in order to avert the issue of dumping of waste in drainage systems.