Contributions of Rainfall and Other Meteorological Factors to Building Collapse in Urban Areas of Anambra State

Abstract

The high incidence of building collapse in urban areas of Anambra State is a veritable source of worry to both individuals and the State government. In most cases, these collapses are attributed to both construction and engineering error, as well as, the use of inferior building materials, leaving the deleterious effects of meteorological factors. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to analyze the effects of rainfall variables and other meteorological factors to building collapse in urban areas of Anambra State. Data for the paper were collected from Campbell Automated Weather Station at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State Physical Planning Board and questionnaire to landlords, government officials and builders. The statistical methods adopted were both Multiple Regression and bivariate correlation analyses. Result indicates that these variables contribute significantly to building collapse in urban areas of Anambra State. Recommendations included building with local materials and ensuring that the isolated meteorological factors responsible for these collapses are taken into consideration when building.