Assessing River Flood Vulnerability in Niger Delta Coastal Communities: A Hydro-Meteorological Analysis

Flooding is one of the major hazards in the coastal areas of Niger Delta State, Nigeria, due to the topography and climatic status. This paper examines flood vulnerability in the riverine communities of Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States using seven hydro-meteorological parameters: rainfall, sea level rise, river discharge, river flow velocity, temperature, wind speed, and elevation. A dataset of 30 years' record ranging from 1994 to 2023 was used, obtained from reliable meteorological and hydrological sources; Min-Max scaling was used for normalization and computation of the Flood Vulnerability Index. The results, as presented in Figure 1, highlight notable spatial and temporal variations in the flood vulnerability during wet season peaks influenced by heavy rainfall, river discharge, sea level rise, and low-lying topography: TwonBrass, FVI = 0.87 and Bonny, FVI = 0.90. These findings, therefore, underscore the need for integrated approaches to flood risk management strategies, including GIS-based mapping, improved drainage systems, early warning systems, and community-based adaptive measures. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to mitigate flood risks and enhance resilience in the Niger Delta.