Paper Details

Jigawa State faces annual flood disasters that have led to substantial loss of life and property, putting many communities at risk. This study aims to evaluate the perceived factors causing flood risk in Jigawa State, Nigeria, a sample of 666 respondents was chosen for a questionnaire that was self-administered, with 601 responses fully completed. The gathered data were analyzed using descriptive methods to determine the frequency of flood and relative important index for perceived factors causing flood. Findings revealed the current trend in the frequency of flood was on the increase, and the year 2012(59%) 2018(61%), 2022(58%) and 2023(60%) marked the worst with floods occurring four times. Results also revealed that, duration of water stay after flood can at least last from 0-24 (0.33%) and at most from 7-10 days before it recedes. Findings further revealed that the major cause of flood were heavy rains (with RII of 4.890), overflow of river/stream with RII of 4.866, Man-made factors were discovered to include: deforestation (with RII of 4.389) and lack of flood embankment, (with RII of 4. 316). Floods in the study area is usually naturally caused, but it becomes a disaster due to some human induced factors. It was advised to establish adequate embankment protection and water regulation outlets. Furthermore, the development of real-time flood prediction or forecasting and efficient early warning systems was recommended. Communities should also be evaluated to identify flood-prone areas prior to any construction activities or alternatively, resettlement to safer areas should be considered for those living in flood-prone regions.