Government Response to Flood Disaster Management in Ogbaru and Anambra West Local Government Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed government response to flood disaster management in Ogbaru and Anambra West Local Government Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on Social Contract Theory associated with Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, which emphasizes the responsibility of government to protect the lives, welfare, and security of citizens. Three specific objectives guided the study: to assess the adequacy of government preventive response to flood disaster management in Ogbaru and Anambra West Local Government Areas; to examine the effectiveness of government emergency response during flooding in the study area; and to evaluate government recovery and rehabilitation response for flood victims in the study areas. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised 35,800 flood-affected households in Ogbaru and Anambra West Local Government Areas and 65 staff of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). A sample size of 396 household heads was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, while 65 emergency agency staff were purposively included, giving a total of 461 respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and interview guide and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and chi-square at the 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that government preventive responses, including drainage construction and early warning systems, were inadequate and ineffective (Mean = 2.13, SD = 0.84), falling below the benchmark of 2.50. Government emergency responses, particularly evacuation and distribution of relief materials, were also found to be untimely and insufficient (Mean = 2.31, SD = 0.91). Furthermore, government recovery responses involving rehabilitation and compensation of flood victims were significantly poor (χ² = 47.62, p < .05), contributing to prolonged suffering and low resilience among affected communities. The study concluded that government response to flood disaster management in the study area remains largely reactive rather than proactive. It recommended the establishment of permanent flood-resilient resettlement centres, timely release of ecological funds, and strengthened collaboration among SEMA, NEMA, local governments, and affected communities for effective flood disaster management.