Integration of remote sensing and GIS for mapping flash flood hazards, Wadi Queih, Egypt

Abstract

Flash floods are common natural events in different environmental conditions. Although, the Egypt's Red Sea area characterized by limited precipitation it frequently impacted by flash flooding. During heavy rainstorms, massive water flow impacting the infrastructures, humans, economic and industrial activities. Thus, the need for mapping vulnerable areas prone to flash flood is necessary. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data is processed and analyzed to reveal the topographic, geometric, basin relief, texture, and morphometric characteristics for flood risk assessment and mapping of Wadi Queih, in the Red Sea of Egypt. In addition, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data is utilized to display the rainfall zones. The area is classified into eighteen sub-basins. The result revealed that the flash flood potential maps, categorized the sub-basins into five classes, ranging from very low to very high flood potentials and three sub-basins (# 2, 4 and 9) are of extreme hazards. Moreover, the downstream areas are heavily exposed to the risk of flooding. It is noteworthy that storing flood water during rainstorms in artificial depressions will provide more water quantity to support development in remote areas. Additionally, the combination of GIS techniques and remote sensing data allowed for the quick and efficient mapping of flood-prone areas, which assisted decision-makers in reducing the risk of future floods and harvest such water in agricultural activities.