Integrated flood risk assessment of properties and associated population at county scale for Nebraska, USA

Abstract

Risk assessment of properties and associated population was conducted for the state of Nebraska, leveraging only open-source datasets. The flood risk framework consisted of interactions among drivers, i.e. hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and response, to assess the risks related to properties and associated populations. To quantify hazard on a county scale, we considered properties at risk of flooding based on a flood score (a higher score represents a greater chance of flooding). Exposure was quantified by considering population density at the county level. We quantified vulnerability under four categories: social, ecological, economic, and health. Response, a relatively newer component in flood risk assessment, was also quantified under three distinct categories: structural, non-structural, and emergency. Overall, we found that counties in eastern Nebraska (Sarpy, Dakota, Wayne, and Adams) have a higher risk of flooding consequences due to more exposure to vulnerable assets such as population and property. The assessment also observed that counties in eastern Nebraska are in the process of improving their flood control measures with dams, levees, and higher insurance coverage that can subdue the risks associated with flooding. The results from this study are anticipated to guide water managers and policymakers in making more effective and locally relevant policies and measures to mitigate flood risks and consequences.