Causes of seasonal flooding in flood plains: a case of Makurdi, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed several factors and their implication for flooding in Makurdi which is located in the flood plains of the River Benue. The annual rainfall of Makurdi between 1979 and 2008 was analysed for annual totals, intensity, frequency, peak periods and trend to demonstrate propensity to cause flooding while records on relief, water table, urbanisation and the river Benue were examined for their contribution. This study has identified amongst other things that areas of low relief in Makurdi are susceptible to seasonal flooding between June and October annually. The study also identified the causes of floods and factors which intensify floods in Makurdi town. Heavy, intense rainfall and the River Benue spilling its banks are the major causes of floods in Makurdi town. Other factors which intensify flooding in Makurdi town include its low relief, high water table, urbanisation and human activities.