Flood Characteristics and Management Adaptations in Parts of the Imo River System

Abstract

This paper examined the physical characteristics of floods and management adaptations to flood hazards in the Imo River basin. From the study, it was determined that the pre and post flood disaster management is a yearly event. The extent and time of commencement usually differs in each flood season, being between July, August and September when rainfall is at its peak. From the study, it was observed that flood duration in the sampled communities last for as much as three to four months. The velocity of the floodwaters under peak discharge usually between August and September was observed to be sluggish, while being faster during recession in mid-October. An investigation of human adaptation to flooding in affected communities indicated that up to 70% of the inhabitants have derived ways of managing their flood disasters on short term basis. These adaptation methods include emergency evacuation and rescheduling of activities, bearing flood losses and land use changes. It is recommended flood forecasting and warming systems be introduced. Engineering control of the major tributaries of the Imo River system is required to reduce impact of flooding on the settlements, while land use zoning will serve as an effective adaptation and disaster management option in the study area.

Keywords: Flood disaster, climate change, weather extremes, management strategies