Impacts of Flooding Disaster on Housing and Health in Two Communities of Ahoada East and West Local Government Areas of Rivers State

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria Phone Number: +2348033402265; E-mail Address: [email protected] In recent years, communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria are fast becoming ravaged by climate change induced flooding. Most communities in the region including Ihubuluku and Ihuechi communities of Rivers State are at great risk of flooding with attendant socio-economic problems. This study is initiated to examine the impacts of the 2012 flood on the housing and health sectors in the region. A descriptive case study research design was utilized and the systems theory was adopted as theoretical framework. The researchers randomly distributed 150 households’ questionnaires, while the instrument of in-depth interviews (IDIs) schedule was administered to key informants who participated in the survey. The simple percentages statistics was utilized for data analysis and presentation. Findings revealed that flood disaster has catastrophic impact on houses as most houses in the communities are built with mud, thatch, bamboo sticks etc. These house types are not resilient enough to withstand the flood waters thereby making majority of the people to homeless. The attendant results of homelessness is health challenges such as outbreaks malaria, cholera, cough, cold and other related water borne diseases, stress, emotional shocks etc. Policy implications include the need for communities and governments to embark on provision of resilient houses such as block and burnt bricks. Furthermore, the need for provision of health facilities in communities, regular counseling to the flood victims by the government and concerned individuals are among other many recommendations.