Author(s): Umar Tauheed Ibrahim, Ugwu Lucy Nkeiruka, Joy Okereke, Eke Hyginus Uchechukwu, Ugwuoke Hillary Ugochchukwu
In recent decades, flood disaster has been occurring frequently in Kuchi/Ebbo in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State. The Niger River Basin, Gurara and Shiroro river has not been spared the flood hazard that is threatening human security in the area. Those living in flood affected areas face the risk of severe damage to their infrastructure, the loss of their livelihood as well as a substantial threat of injury and death. These hazards can hamper efforts to escape poverty and set back development gains. Despite the threat, there is very scant research documenting in respect of rescue and recovery measures during flood disaster In Lapai L.G.A of Niger state, using Kuchi/Ebbo as a case study. The study addresses the rescue and recovery measures during flood disaster in Kuchi/Ebbo Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State. A survey research method was adopted. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used. Collection of quantitative data was through oral interview and non-participant observation while quantitative data was collected using unstructured questionnaire and secondary sources such as books and journal articles. The flood assessment shows that the low lying areas that border river Kuchi bed streams and their tributaries are highly affected by the hazardous flood events except for some parts of the areas in Ebbo. Most of the people living in Kuchi/ Ebbo are highly vulnerable to flood hazard. The assessment reveals that the municipality of the Kuchi/ Ebbo is more vulnerable than the municipality of Ebbo inner town.