SPATIAL MODEL OF WETLAND USE CHANGE AND FLOOD OCCURRENCE IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between wetland use change and the occurrences of ftoods in residential areas of Palembang City. Palembang, well known as a wetland city in early 1919, has significantly converted its wetland up to 55% in 2010. The trend of flooding in the city has increased from 18 events in 2007 to 46 events in 2012. Uncontrolled urban development is assumed as the major drivers of the wetland conversion. The aim of this study is to estimate the relationship between land use change and the occorrence of flood happened in Palembang. In this paper, approximately 626 households from 4 residential areas were observed and 26 respondents were interviewed in March 2014 to gain information about the environment before, during and after the flooding and their relation to the wetland conversion. Literature review was also conducted in order to gain more insights about the phenomenon. By harnessing spatial correlation analysis, this study presents the relation between wetland conversion trend and flood occurrence in Palembang, which could be used to develop the appropriate policy to reduce the risks coming from flooding as well as preserving the urban environment in Palembang.