International Research Journal of Natural Sciences Vol.3, No.1, pp.1-15, March 2015 Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org) 1 ISSN 2053-4108(Print), ISSN 2053-4116(Online) ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF 2012 FLOODS IN UMULERI, ANAMBRA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA Onwuka, S. U.; Ikekpeazu, F. O. and Onuoha, D. C. Department of Environmental Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria. P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria. ABSTRACT: This study assessed the environmental effects of 2012 floods in Umuleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State were investigated using questionnaire survey, with a view to ascertaining its implications on the inhabitants of the area. The data were generated and analyzed using Independent samples T-test and Mann-Whitney U-test statistical technique. The result revealed that the 2012 floods were mostly caused by heavy rainfall and anthropogenic activities such as construction on flood plains. The study also showed that the inhabitants experienced effects such as displacement from homes, submerging of farmland, loss of income, destruction of infrastructures, scarcity of food, overcrowding in shelter camps and spread of communicable diseases. Consequently, since flood has been ravaging the area recently, further research to develop flood hazard map of the area and enlightenment of the residents on flood issues was recommended. KEYWORDS: Environmental Effects, 2012 Floods In Umuleri, Anambra, East Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria INTRODUCTION Flooding is one of the major environmental problems facing man within the century. This is especially the case in most wetlands of the world. The reason of this is the general rise in sea level globally, due to global warming as well as the saturated nature of the wetlands in the Riverine areas. Periodic floods occur on many rivers, forming a surrounding region known as flood plain. Rivers overflow for reasons like excess rainfall. In extreme cases flooding may cause a loss of lives. As noted by Adeleye and Rustum (2011) torrential rains made rivers to overflow their banks and caused mud houses to collapse and also washed away livestock. In some places and cases, flooding has damaged bridges and caused overflow of dams, submergence of buildings, displacement of people from their homes, loss of people’s valuables. The economy of a place can also be severely affected by flooding. Businesses may lose stock, patronage, data and productivity and disruption to utilities and transport. Tourism, farming and livestock can equally be affected. Vital infrastructure may also be damaged or disrupted. Electricity and gas supplies can be interrupted. Road links, railways, canals etc., may be blocked causing disruption to transport network and accessibility severely disrupted for local inhabitants, especially amongst those considered most vulnerable and loss of communications networks (Adeleye and Rustum, 2011). Although flooding, generally, is a bane to most people, floods can be quite beneficial. Actually, believe it or not, nature benefits more from natural floods than from not having them at all. What