Perrenial Flooding and Coping Strategies of Residents along Taylor Creek Channel in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Abstract

Flooding particularly river flooding is among the most devastating natural disasters in the world, that claim more lives and cause damage on more property than any other natural phenomenon. Though not the leading cause of death in Nigeria, flooding affects and displaces more people in flood prone areas and along river banks than any other known natural disaster. This study examined the constant flooding of the Tayor Creek and the coping strategies adopted by residents living along the Creek in the event of flood incidence. The study adopted the passive observational research design while data for the study came from both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources of data were collected through the administration of questionnaire, interview granted to key informants and ground trotting, while the secondary data were sourced from published material in the study area.   The sample is made up of 360 respondents carefully selected from six (6) selected communities in the area using the systematic sampling technique. The finding of this study shows that flood precipitates diverse negative impacts on the socio-economic well being of residents along the Tayor Creek.  It was also observed that the most important strategies adopted by victims of flood in the area is by relocating to primary schools designated as Internally Displaced Peoples Camps (IDPs) and distant places where close relatives reside. It was also observed that the most important factor that induces force moment of flood victims is the disruption of agricultural activities during flood events. The paper advocates for the introduction of a participatory approach involving the government, residents, and corporate organisations in finding solutions to the problem of flooding in the area. Also important is the introduction of land use planning and flood management system so as to avert some of the consequences of flooding.  There is the need for early warning, flood data gathering, emergency preparedness and political will to combat flood menace in the area.