Devastating impacts of flood disaster among rural households in Benue State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine devastating impacts of flood disaster among rural households in Benue State, Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 145 respondents used for the study. Data collected for the study were analyzed using mean score. Findings indicated that the major causes of flood disaster were poor level of public awareness campaign on flood hazard (x –=2.00), increased impermeability due to urbanization (x –=2.00), overflowing dams (x –=2.00), building on water ways and drainage channels (x –=2.00), flood plain being occupied by human settlement and economic activities (x –=1.41), blockage of flood path with sediment deposit (x –=1.31) and increase in rainfall (x –=1.30). Rendering of rural dwellers homeless (x –=2.47), fills homes with dirty water and refuse (x –=2.43), blockage of road networks (x –=2.42), disruption of economic activities (x –=2.40), destruction of farmlands (x –=2.40), increase in household food insecurity (x –=2.35), destruction of crops and livestock (x –=2.30), damages stored farm produce (x –=2.24) and loss of lives and property (x –=2.12) were effects of flood disaster on rural households. Based on the findings of the study, there arises the need for government at all levels and non-governmental organizations to intensify efforts in creation of awareness for people living in flood prone areas to relocate to a safer place in order to avoid loss of life and disruption of economic activities.