FLOOD ANALYSIS OF THE LOWER NIGER RIVER BASIN, NIGERIA

Abstract

The flood analysis of Lower Niger River Basin was carried out using hydrological data such as river discharges, water levels, (stages) and rainfall records for the assessment. The data were collected to various locations such as Jebba, Boro and Lokoja, and were subjected to various statistical test, frequency and return period of each magnitude were plotted using three models viz Hanzen, Gumbel and Weibul . The highest annual data of each location were used to predict the likely discharge that may occur at various points. Seven villages were visited to carry out oral interview and examine the effect of flood water on the environment and properties. It was discovered from the studies that improper release of water from dams contribute mainly to frequent flooding of the basin and reduced the flood cycles from 10 years to 2 years various ways were suggested to reduce the effect of flood on environment and the study could be used for planning purposes.