Environmental Hazard Assessment and Disaster Risk Reduction in Anambra State

Anambra State in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone is exposed to multiple environmental hazards including gully erosion, flooding, landslides, and industrial contamination whose cumulative effects on population, infrastructure, and livelihoods demand integrated hazard assessment and proactive disaster risk reduction planning. This study conducts a multi-hazard environmental assessment across 21 local government areas of Anambra State, developing a composite hazard index to prioritise disaster risk reduction investments. Hazard data layers for gully erosion extent, flood-prone zone boundaries, landslide susceptibility, and industrial contamination plume records were compiled from satellite imagery, field surveys, and Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency databases. A weighted composite hazard index was constructed using expert-derived weights from a Delphi consultation process involving 20 hazard and disaster risk specialists. Community vulnerability surveys administered in 12 high-hazard communities across Orumba North, Awka South, and Onitsha North LGAs provided social vulnerability scores for integration into risk matrix construction. Results identify Orumba North, Ihiala, and Onitsha South as the local government areas with the highest composite disaster risk scores, reflecting simultaneous exposure to severe gully erosion, flooding, and industrial hazard in densely populated areas. The study finds that disaster risk governance in Anambra State is characterised by poor coordination between the State Emergency Management Agency, environmental protection agencies, and local government planning departments. Recommendations include establishment of a unified multi-hazard early warning platform and integration of disaster risk reduction into state and local development plans. Keywords: hazard assessment, disaster risk reduction, Anambra State, South East Nigeria, multi-hazard.