Using GIS to produce vulnerability maps of non-gauged watersheds area (Qena Valley-Pilot area)

Abstract

Qena area located at the western side of the Red Sea Hills. The area is embedded within a network of active watersheds, which are subjected to recurrent flash flooding. This report is directed towards developing a methodology for flood risk assessment and relative vulnerability classification for watersheds associated with wadi systems in arid regions. Geographic Information System (GIS) is used as the main analysis tool for modeling Qena area. Watersheds in the study area have been identified, and geomorphology parameters and watershed characteristics have been estimated. Different parameters, which mostly affect the runoff, have been calculated. The HBV rainfall runoff model has been calibrated and used to define the flash flood vulnerable areas at the catchment. The results of flood risk classification compared well with the estimated runoff peak discharge. GIS has proved, as expected, to be an easy and efficient toll for watersheds flood risk assessment. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.