Flood Menace Vulnerability Assessment: A Case Study of Kaduna Metropolis.

Flooding is a global environmental phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide annually. This study assessed flood vulnerability in Kaduna Metropolis. Questionnaires, interviews, and field observations were the methods used to acquire data. A multi-stage sampling technique using stratified, purposive, random, snowball, and proportionate sampling were used to select the respondents. The results revealed that male respondents, representing 71%, dominated, against 29% female demographics. 42% of the respondents were aged between 41-50 years. Findings further revealed trade at 34% was the leading occupation. In addition, secondary school certificate holders at 45% was the highest educational level attained by the respondents. Findings added that dumping waste in a water channel at 97% was the leading cause of flooding, according to the respondents. Also, 85% agreement was also made on climate change as a cause of flooding in the study area. The study indicated the psychological stress experienced by 65% of the respondents which signified deep-rooted mental health challenges stemming from flooding events. Sucking up of blocks of wall at 27% was the leading impact of flooding in Kaduna Metropolis. In the trade sector, nearly half, 49% of respondents, experienced a low patronage due to flood-related disruptions. It is concluded that flooding was a complex interplay between environmental, health, and socioeconomic factors that pressed the need for comprehensive flood management strategies to mitigate these adverse effects in Kaduna Metropolis.