Abstract

M. N. OBASI

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Flood is by far a major environmental hazard confronting man and his environment in the 21st century, yet only few attempts are made to quantify the causes and effects in Nigerian cities. This study is instituted to identify the major causes and effects of flood menace on the Aba Urban dwellers. A total of 210 respondents were systematically sampled from ten flooded regions in the area, 21 from each stratum using survey (questionnaire and checklist) instruments. Analysis of peoples’ perception using simple parameter indicated that the instigating force of this phenomenon are poor drainage system, blockage of the existing drainage channels and the dynamic nature of rainfall in Aba Urban which together constituted 131(62.4%) of the perceived flood causative factors in the area. Also, major effects that are common to the entire study area are disruption of people and vehicular movements and damages to household properties. The paper recommended strict compliance to standard in buildings (of roads, drainages, and houses) on one hand; and government-public partnership in flood control and/or mitigation for sustainability on the other.