Application of GIS to delineate flood prone areas :

Abstract

Many cities in the world particularly those in Africa are faced with growing problems associated with flooding. Increased rain frequency and intensity alongside other factors such as settlement in flood plains, poor waste management, and increased surface runoff exacerbate the situation. In Uganda, Kawempe is exposed to frequent flooding during the rainy seasons because it is in a low lying area with a high water table and it is characterized by poor drainage thus making a significant number of people, households, infrastructure, livelihoods and social services exposed to severe impacts of destruction, damage, dampness and health challenges whenever it floods. Theaimofthisstudyistodelineateareasinanurbansettingwithahighpotentialforfloodduring, Or after extreme precipitation events. This is to be done using GIS-based analysis to create an Impervious surface analysis and a runoff model using HECHMS software. Some of the objectives are to perform rainfall runoff or the flow contributing area and determining the extent of flood impact. However, the research will mainly be restricted to Kawempe where drainage is a major problem. At the end of this project, a map of different areas in Kawempe with high potential of flooding Will be obtained. This will help the concerned authorities to formulate the development strategies According to the available risk to the area i.e. making the process of resource allocation simple resulting in a smooth and effective implementation of the adopted flood risk strategy. The simulation model properly imitating the practical behaviour of the flood hydrograph will be generated. The model will be tested and verified.