Assessment of Post-Flood Damage Using Remote Sensing in Jigawa State

The 2022 flood disaster in Jigawa State devastated farmlands, settlements, and infrastructure across multiple local government areas. This study assesses the spatial extent of flood damage using pre- and post-flood Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery. SAR data are preferred over optical imagery due to their cloud-penetrating capability, which is critical during the rainy season flood period. Change detection using the log-ratio method delineates flooded extents and distinguishes between permanent water bodies, temporarily inundated areas, and undamaged land. Results indicate that over 85,000 hectares of cropland and 42 communities were directly affected, with the highest damage concentrations in Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa LGAs. Damage estimates are correlated with livelihood vulnerability indicators to prioritise post-disaster recovery interventions. The study demonstrates the operational value of freely available SAR imagery for rapid damage assessment in disaster-affected areas in Nigeria. Recommendations are directed at the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency. Keywords: flood damage, SAR, Jigawa State, change detection, disaster assessment