ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS OF THE 2022 FLOODING ON THE COASTAL AREAS OF AHOADA WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the repercussions of the 2022 flooding in the coastal regions of Ahoada West Local Government in Rivers state. The aim of this study is to examine the historical rainfall patterns in the area over the last six decades, identify the human factors contributing to the severity of the 2022 flooding, and determine the strategies employed by residents to manage the 2022 flood. To assess the impact of flooding in Ahoada West Local Government's coastal areas, the study utilized rainfall data from the Central Research Unit (CRU) TS monthly high-resolution gridded precipitation dataset. Trend analysis was used to examine the rainfall variations, revealing fluctuating annual mean rainfall values over the years. The lowest recorded annual mean rainfall value (157) was in 1983, while the highest (242.1) was in 1995. To understand the implications of the 2022 flooding, a Key Informant Interview was conducted, highlighting suggestions from the interviewees on preventing a recurrence of a catastrophic event similar to the 2022 flooding and the best solution postulated was that of awareness.