Determinant Factors of Flooding Frequency and Severity in Afafanyi, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The study identifies and accounts for the factors responsible for flooding in Afafanyi in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State using the cross-sectional survey research design method. The target population comprised the individuals, community leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, health centre workers, and school owners in the community. From the total population of 18,000 in the study area, a sample size of 400 was determined using the Taro-Yamane formula. Of the 400 copies of the questionnaire administered and retrieved, 390 that were properly filled out were analysed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data presentation and analysis. Results showed that 64.8% agreed that the weak drainage capacity of the water channel caused by the blocked drains contributed to the flood disaster in the study area. Findings showed that anthropogenic development along flood drains and drainage facilities was the major factor responsible for the flood disaster in the study area. The study further revealed that failure to heed flood warnings exacerbated vulnerability to floods. Thus, the study concludes that a large proportion of the households in the community are vulnerable to flood disasters due to the location of their structures in flood-prone areas. Based on the findings, the work recommended that government and relevant agencies and organizations, should as a matter of necessity organize enlightenment programmes to educate the public on the dangers of flood disaster and its causes highlighting the adverse effects of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in gutters, drainage and river channels, government should set up various information programmes to educate the public on the way to respond to flood events.