FLOODING IN RESIDENTIAL AREA OF ASABA, NIGERIA (2012-2023)

Abstract

Flooding remains a major environmental hazard in Nigerian cities, with severe impacts on housing and livelihoods. This study investigates the effects of recurrent flooding on residential housing stocks in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, between 2012 and 2023. Using systematic random sampling, 775 household heads were surveyed across ten residential estates comprising 3,700 housing units. Data was obtained using a structured questionnaire and field observation and analyzed using the descriptive statistics and weighted mean score. Findings show that flooding in Asaba is primarily caused by heavy rainfall (23–24%), poor drainage (22%), and blocked canals (19%). Weighted mean scores indicate high flooding severity across all estates, with Core Area, Infant Jesus, and Airport View Estates recording the highest levels (3.35). Impacts include property destruction (29%), structural defects (27%), housing collapse (23%), and market value depreciation (24%). Coping strategies adopted by residents include raising building foundations (24%), constructing small-scale drainage channels (19%), and proper waste disposal (21%). Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of flood control agencies is rated low (mean < 3.0). The study concludes that flooding poses a significant threat to housing sustainability in Asaba and recommends improved drainage infrastructure, stricter zoning laws, climate-resilient housing designs, and community-based early warning systems to reduce vulnerability and safeguard urban development.