Fourteenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

The study is anchored on the devastating effects of flood disaster and its implication on population displacement and public health in Kano metropolis. The objectives of the study were to determine the major causes of incessant flooding, the effects of flooding on public health, and the possible ways of preventing and recovering from the flooding disaster. Structured and key informant interviews were used as the primary tools of data collection. Multi-stage sampling methods, comprising cluster and purposive sampling, were used. The data was analysed using univariate and bivariate levels and cross tabulated using frequencies and percentages. Findings show that the major causes of incessant flooding in Kano were excessive rainfall, which is attributed to climate change. The study also found that poor drainage systems and poor housing and urban planning are other major causes of flooding in the area. The study discovered that flooding has led to many deaths, the destruction of properties, and internal displacement in Kano Metropolis. The study also shows that graves and dead bodies were washed away as a result of flooding, resulting in contamination of water sources, pollution, and the outbreak of water-borne disease in the city. The study recommended that government at all levels should be committed to addressing the threats of climate change, and all stakeholders should ensure that there are proper drainage systems, housing, sanitation, and town planning in Kano Metropolis.