Vulnerabilities and ...

Flooding is a recurrent and devastating natural hazard in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, significantly impacting coastal communities. This study employs Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques to assess flood vulnerability and resilience capacity across various Local Government Areas (LGAs). By analyzing key parameters such as elevation, land use, slope, and proximity to rivers, the study identifies highly vulnerable regions and examines community preparedness and resilience capacity. Findings indicate that Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor LGAs exhibit the highest flood vulnerability due to low elevation and proximity to water bodies, while Sagbama and Kolokuma/Opokuma are less vulnerable. The resilience assessment highlights challenges in adaptive capacity, with inadequate institutional support and emergency response systems. The study underscores the necessity for integrated flood management strategies, including improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and community-based resilience programs. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on disaster risk management, offering insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance flood mitigation efforts in coastal communities.