Flood Vulnerability and Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Yenagoa and Its Environs, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The perennial flooding in Bayelsa State and its attendant threats to life, property and socio-economic existence have been a major problem for the inhabitants and Government. This study was undertaken to assess the flood vulnerability and risks posed by it to Yenagoa and its environs, using Remote Sensing and GIS applications. The study covered 16 towns - 14 in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Opuama in Nembe and Ogbia in Ogbia Local Government Areas. It was discovered that all the towns covered were more vulnerable to flood with increasing severity in places with elevation ranging between 5-15.5m above sea level while places with elevation ranging between 15.5-26m above sea level were ranked as very highly vulnerable to flood based on standard proedures. The study area exhibited similar soil compositions like alluvial soil, silty clay, floodplain soil and others which combine with heavy annual rainfall pattern in the area to enhance flooding. Risk assessment of the study area showed that public utilities, services, business and commercial activities and general infrastructures were at a high risk of flood vulnerability due to their location in the nucleus of Yenagoa, known for high flood vulnerability. The outcome of this study provide relevant information useful for planning purposes by government and corporate bodies as well as their preparedness and response to flood in the State.