Assessing the Impact of Relief on Dick Tiger Flooding in Owerri Municipal Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract: Flooding in urban areas is a recurring environmental challenge, particularly in rapidly developing regions like Owerri Urban. This study assesses the impact of relief on flooding in the Dick Tiger area of Owerri, employing Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. The research aims to model how topographical features, including elevation and slope, contribute to flood risk in this area, which is frequently inundated during heavy rainfall. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) were used to analyze the terrain, identifying low-lying areas prone to water accumulation. The findings highlight the significance of relief as a critical factor in flood occurrence, with certain slopes and elevation levels correlating strongly with increased flood risk. The study provides a clear visualization of flood-prone zones by overlaying flood data with topographical maps. The research also explores the implications for urban planning, emphasizing the need for incorporating topographical analysis in flood management strategies. This approach could significantly reduce the vulnerability of the Dick Tiger area to flooding. The study’s novel application of Remote Sensing and GIS technology in assessing the topographical contributions to urban flooding represents a significant advancement in flood risk management. It also underscores the importance of integrating scientific data into urban planning processes to build more resilient cities. This research serves as a foundational step towards developing more effective flood mitigation strategies in Owerri Urban, with broader applicability to other flood-prone urban centers in Nigeria.