Global Journal of Earth and Environmental Science

Flooding remains one of the most persistent environmental challenges confronting the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, where Rivers State is particularly exposed due to its low-lying topography, tidal influence, and dense riverine settlement patterns. This study aimed to map flood vulnerability and explore strategies for improving disaster response through inland waterways across selected transport corridors in Rivers State. The research employed a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach to spatially assess flood susceptibility. Data layers on elevation, slope, drainage density, land use/land cover, proximity to rivers, soil permeability, and rainfall intensity were integrated and weighted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to produce composite flood vulnerability maps for eight major corridors: Port Harcourt–Bonny, Port Harcourt–Nembe, Port Harcourt–Brass, Abonema Wharf–Bakana, Iwofe–Ogbakiri, Marine Base–Okrika, Akpos–Okujagu, and Abuloma–Kalio. The spatial analysis revealed significant variations in flood susceptibility across the study area. Corridors such as Port Harcourt–Bonny, Marine Base–Okrika, and Abuloma–Kalio were classified as high to very high vulnerability zones, primarily due to flat terrain, poor drainage infrastructure, and tidal inundation. In contrast, Port Harcourt–Nembe and Maccoba–Isiaka showed moderate to low vulnerability, attributed to slightly elevated topography and better natural drainage. Communities within high-risk zones such as Bakana, Okujagu, Kalio, and Okrika face recurrent inundation, infrastructure damage, livelihood disruptions, and increased exposure to waterborne and vector-borne diseases. The study concludes that GIS-based flood vulnerability mapping provides a vital decision-support tool for disaster management and spatial planning in flood-prone regions. Integrating inland waterway networks into disaster response systems can enhance mobility, evacuation efficiency, and emergency logistics during flood events. Recommendations include: (i) strengthening drainage and embankment infrastructure along critical waterways; (ii) institutionalising community-based early warning and evacuation systems; (iii) enforcing land-use regulations to prevent settlement expansion into high-risk flood zones; and (iv) incorporating real-time hydrological monitoring and GIS mapping into the Rivers State disaster management framework. These interventions, if implemented, will significantly enhance flood resilience, adaptive capacity, and sustainable development across the Niger Delta’s inland waterway corridors.