Abstract

While it is true that man has been able to conquer his environment, the footprints of his actions and/or inactions often times results in calamitous scenarios with attendant increase in the number of Internally Displaced Persons. With the number of displaced persons on the rise, the study sought to examine the spatial distribution of internally displaced persons camps and their proximity to victims of flood in Orashi region, Rivers state, Nigeria. Employing both primary and secondary data, the study utilised the cross-sectional survey research design. Simple statistics such as percentage was used for data analysis. Findings revealed that although there are no facilities or buildings purposefully built as Internally Displaced Persons camps, fourteen (14) public buildings and facilities such as schools, library, town halls, are made to serve as Internally Displaced Persons camps in any event of flooding.  It was further found that there is lopsidedness in the distribution of the facilities so designated as internally displaced persons camps in the different communities and Local Government Areas in the region. In terms of proximity, analysis reveals that most IDP camps are beyond 5km and 10 km buffer from the communities implying that flood victims in most communities will have to travel and/or trek a distance beyond 10km to access the closet designated IDP camp, a situation that makes prompt evacuation and relocation of flood victims difficult.  There is need for government to build facilities solely designated as internally displaced persons camps in line with approved standard. Ensuring that the distribution of such camps is equitable is also key to minimize distance and maximize their accessibility to victims of flood in the region.

Key Words: Flooding, Internal displacement, Camp, Victims, Damage and loss, Refugee