ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD: CLIMATE CHANGE AND FLOODING, THE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IN NIGERIA

Dauda Ali and Shitufa Hamidu

Department of Architectural Technology

Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Nigeria.

E-mail: dauda2292@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Flood is the most frequently and devastating natural disaster that kills people in thousands. Its consequences are profound, particularly on people in the less developed countries as in Nigeria. The impact is more pronounced in low laying areas due to rapid growth in population, incessant dumping of waste in drainages, decaying infrastructures and lack of proper environmental planning, resulting in lost of lives, properties, spread of diseases and displacement of people. Flood is worsened by climate change and inadequate preparedness. This paper seeks to look at the issues of flooding; causes, impacts, and suggesting ways of preventing and mitigating flood disaster in Nigeria. Data were sought through secondary sources by reviewing journals and other literatures related to the subject. The article contends that prevailing effect of climate change, particularly flooding affects almost everything in our cities; it demands urgent attention in form of environmental and infrastructure planning, enhanced public enlightenment programmes among others.