Impact of Flood on Residential Buildings in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria

This study examines the impact of flooding on residential buildings in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. It investigates the physical effects of flooding on residential structures, identifies commonly observed forms of building deterioration, and explores factors associated with flood-related damage in the study area. The research adopts a field-based approach involving the inspection of 18 residential buildings and the administration of questionnaires, of which 24 completed responses were retrieved from 51 distributed questionnaires. Observed conditions included dampness, mud deposits, deterioration of decorative finishes, visible cracks and fence failures. The study also considers residents' experiences and perceptions of flooding and its effects on residential buildings. The findings provide local evidence of the effects of flooding on the condition and performance of residential buildings in Owerri West. The study highlights the importance of effective drainage, appropriate site planning, building maintenance and improved flood-risk management in reducing the vulnerability of residential properties. Research status: Revised version of an undergraduate research project. This manuscript is made available as a preprint and has not undergone formal peer review.