EVALUATION ON 2017 FLOODING INCIDENT IN NASSARAWA HAYI, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Floods rank among the most destructive environmental challenges worldwide, causing substantial loss of life and unprecedented property damage. Nassarawa Hayi has endured flash floods in the past; however, the magnitude of the event on July 8, 2017, stands unparalleled in recent history. This research investigates the extent of flood-related losses in Nasarawa Hayi, located within Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. The study aims to pinpoint the causal factors behind flooding incidents in the region, map flood-prone zones, and evaluate the impact on infrastructure and assets. Employing a combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses, the study involved on-site observations, structured surveys, and utilization of remote sensing data (QuickBird Imagery). Descriptive statistics were applied to field-collected data, while digital image processing techniques were employed to process remote sensing data, yielding digitized maps of contours, Digital Elevation Models, and flood risk assessments. The findings disclose the driving forces behind flooding, with 42% of respondents attributing it to excessive rainfall and 52.7% associating it with poorly constructed drainage systems, alongside encroachment through construction and agriculture along flood-prone areas. Utilizing the digital Terrain Model, flood-vulnerable regions were identified. Risk zones were categorized into high, medium, and low risk areas, based on terrain elevation and distance. High-risk zones, spanning elevations of 55m to 57m, encompassed an area of 55,920.10 m². The medium risk zone, ranging from 58m to 60m, covered 506,717.82 m², while the low-risk area (61m to 65m) occupied 131,960.16 m². Infrastructure within high-risk zones included residential buildings, a school, and unpaved roads. The moderate risk zone featured uncultivated farmland, boats, and human activities, whereas the low-risk zone encompassed both cultivated and uncultivated farmlands, crops, and economically significant trees. In conclusion, complete prevention of flooding remains challenging as long as urban development encroaches upon river channels. Nevertheless, implementing effective flood prevention initiatives can significantly reduce the impact of severe flooding, if not eliminate it. Consequently, the study recommends raising awareness among inhabitants and property owners within flood-prone areas, urging them to undertake flood mitigation measures, such as flood-proofing strategies and the formulation of evacuation plans, to mitigate potential flood risks.