Abstract

Flooding represents a recurrent environmental hazard in Calabar Metropolis, Southern Nigeria, driven by anthropogenic alterations to the landscape and natural geomorphological predispositions. This study applies geospatial analytical techniques to investigate the spatial patterns of land cover, model flood risk zones, and evaluate land use exposure to flooding hazards. Five major land cover types vegetation, built-up areas, water bodies, bareground, and cropland were mapped and quantified using remote sensing data. Vegetation dominated the land cover, occupying 59.61% of the total area, followed by built-up areas at 24.51%. A spatial model integrating slope, elevation, land cover, drainage proximity, and hydrographic features delineated four flood risk zones: very high, high, moderate, and low. The results revealed that 72.44% of the area falls under the very high-risk category, affecting both urban infrastructure and ecological zones. Detailed overlay analysis showed that 73.72% of vegetation and 6.37% of built-up areas are situated in very high-risk zones. Built-up areas dominated both moderate and low-risk zones, suggesting that strategic urban planning may mitigate flood impacts. The findings underscore the role of land use configuration in flood risk distribution and provide evidence-based insights for land management and disaster mitigation policies in the region.