EVALUATION OF THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF HOUSES TO FLOODING IN COASTAL SOUTHERN NIGERIA
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EVALUATION OF THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF HOUSES TO FLOODING IN COASTAL SOUTHERN NIGERIA
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Flooding is one of the most frequent and devastating natural hazards globally, accounting for significant losses of lives, property, livelihoods, and infrastructure (UNISDR, 2015). It occurs when water overflows from rivers, oceans, or heavy rainfall accumulates in normally dry areas, exceeding the capacity of natural or artificial drainage systems (Smith & Ward, 1998). In recent decades, climate change, sea-level rise, rapid urbanization, and land-use changes have increased both the frequency and magnitude of floods worldwide (IPCC, 2021).
Nigeria is highly vulnerable to flooding due to its tropical climate, poor drainage infrastructure, unplanned urban growth, and widespread settlement on floodplains (Aderogba, 2012). The coastal areas of Southern Nigeria—such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Warri, Calabar, and Uyo—are particularly at risk because they lie at low elevations and are influenced by tidal flows, high rainfall, and river discharge from the Niger Delta basin (Nwilo & Badejo, 2006). These areas experience recurrent riverine flooding, coastal inundation, storm surges, and flash floods, often exacerbated by human activities such as sand filling, deforestation, blocked drainage channels, and informal settlements (Etuonovbe, 2011).
Residential buildings located in these flood-prone coastal zones face increasing exposure and vulnerability. Flooding damages building foundations, walls, electrical systems, and household property; it also leads to displacement, economic losses, and heightened disease outbreaks such as cholera and malaria (Adelekan, 2011). Poorly constructed houses, informal settlements, and buildings situated on reclaimed wetlands face especially high risk (Ajibade, McBean & Ejikeme, 2013). The problem is compounded by inadequate enforcement of building regulations, weak spatial planning, and limited awareness of flood risk among residents.
Therefore, assessing the flood exposure of residential buildings is necessary for risk reduction, resilient construction, effective urban planning, and disaster preparedness in Southern Nigeria’s coastal communities. Such assessment helps identify areas at greatest risk, the level of vulnerability of structures, and the socio-economic characteristics of households living in exposed zones.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Coastal areas of Southern Nigeria continue to experience recurrent flooding, resulting in damages to homes, loss of property, forced migration, and disruption of socio-economic activities (NEMA, 2013). Despite repeated events, many residential buildings are still sited in high-risk floodplains without proper flood-resistant designs or planning controls. Many residents lack adequate knowledge of flood hazard maps or risk-informed location decisions, while regulatory agencies struggle with enforcement of development control measures (Aderogba, 2012).
In recent flood events, several communities in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Lagos States experienced extensive inundation and building collapse, yet systematic assessment of residential building exposure remains limited. There is insufficient empirical information on:
the degree of residential building exposure to flooding;
spatial patterns of flood-prone settlements;
vulnerability factors such as building type, elevation, and proximity to water bodies;
household perception and coping strategies.
This lack of comprehensive assessment constrains policy making, disaster preparedness, and resilient housing design. Therefore, there is a need to conduct an assessment of flood exposure of residential buildings in coastal areas of Southern Nigeria to provide evidence-based guidance for planning and risk reduction.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.3.1 General Objective
The general objective of this study is to assess the flood exposure of residential buildings in coastal areas of Southern Nigeria.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
The specific objectives are to:
identify flood-prone zones in selected coastal areas of Southern Nigeria;
examine the level of exposure of residential buildings to flooding;
analyze the physical characteristics of buildings that influence flood vulnerability;
assess residents’ perception and awareness of flood risk;
propose mitigation and adaptation strategies for reducing flood exposure of residential buildings.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will be guided by the following research questions:
Which areas in the coastal zone are most prone to flooding?
What is the level of exposure of residential buildings to flood hazards?
What building characteristics (e.g., materials, elevation, foundation type) increase flood vulnerability?
What is the level of residents’ awareness and perception of flood risk?
What strategies can reduce the flood exposure of residential buildings?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses will be tested:
H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between location of residential buildings and flood exposure.
H₀₂: Building characteristics do not significantly influence vulnerability to flooding.
H₀₃: Residents’ level of awareness has no significant effect on exposure to flood risk.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study will be valuable to:
Urban and regional planners, for flood-resilient settlement planning;
Government agencies and disaster managers, for developing early warning and relocation policies;
Environmental and housing authorities, for strengthening building codes and regulations;
Researchers and academics, as empirical reference material;
Local communities and residents, by improving awareness and preparedness.
Ultimately, the study contributes to climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable coastal development.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on residential buildings in selected coastal areas of Southern Nigeria. Attention is given to flood-prone communities, spatial exposure characteristics, building features, and residents’ perception of flood risk. Industrial buildings and non-coastal areas are not covered. The study does not assess hydrological modeling in detail but concentrates on exposure assessment and vulnerability indicators.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Flood Exposure: Degree to which buildings or people are physically located in flood-prone areas.
Coastal Areas: Low-lying zones near the Atlantic coastline of Southern Nigeria.
Residential Buildings: Structures primarily used for housing households.
Vulnerability: Susceptibility of buildings or households to damage from flooding.
Floodplain: Land area adjacent to a river or coast prone to periodic inundation.
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