Assessment of the Impact of Flooding on River Transport Operations in Anambra State

Seasonal flooding represents a significant disruptive force for river transport operations in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, with particular severity in Anambra State. This study assesses the impact of flooding events on the safety and reliability of river transport along the Anambra River corridor, covering the Onitsha to Oguta route. A descriptive survey design was employed, using structured questionnaires administered to fifty river transport operators, community leaders, and passengers, supplemented by review of flood records from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency for the period 2019 to 2024. Field observations were conducted during and immediately after the 2022 flooding event. Findings indicate that annual flooding significantly disrupts transport schedules, destroys jetty infrastructure, submerges navigational markers, and forces operators to navigate unfamiliar inundated terrain at considerable personal and cargo risk. Several vessel sinkings and capsizing incidents are documented as directly attributable to flood conditions. The study further reveals that operators receive no formal advance warning of critical flood stages, leaving them dependent on local traditional knowledge. Economic losses from disrupted trade routes during flood periods are estimated to be substantial at the community level. Recommendations include integration of river transport operators into the flood early warning communication network of the National Emergency Management Agency, construction of flood-resilient jetty designs, and designation of safe anchorage areas for vessels during peak flood events. Keywords: flooding, river transport, Anambra State, navigational safety, flood early warning