A comparative analysis of flooding in Warri and Port Harcourt urban areas of the Niger Delta region in southern Nigeria

Abstract

This paper provides a comparative analysis of flooding in Warri and Port Harcourt urban areas. The purpose is to isolate identical policies and strategies which may proof effective for flood mitigation in the two geographically related urban areas. The data used in the study were collected through field measurements, observations, interviews, and questionnaire administration and from the states’ agencies for flood management. Data analyses were based on descriptive statistical tools. Results revealed the flood characteristics, impacts, coping mechanisms and that risk-oriented planning which is essential for protection of floodplain occupants is neglected in the areas. The urban drainage systems are inadequate; the existing ones underperform and the municipal authorities have no well-articulated policies/arrangements through which repairs/maintenance/clearance of the drains would be regularly and speedily provided to ensure that they function properly and sustainably. Rehabilitation services are provided irregularly and in an ad hoc manner, based on the resources and priorities of the state governments. The paper recommends that governments and residents of flood-prone areas must address the key causes of deficits in urban drains and, in addition, intervene at critical stages of the flood build-up process in order to reduce flood damage and hasten storm water evacuation.