GIS-based flood hazard mapping in the West Bank, Palestine

Abstract EN

Worldwide, flood is one of the highly damaging natural hazards followed by catastrophic consequences.

Thus, it become essential to develop simply obtainable flood hazard map so as help decision makers in formulating of proper corrective and preventive strategies.

This study utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to develop a flood hazard map to well protect people life and properties.

Method applicability was demonstrated on the West Bank, Palestine (5624 km2).

GIS-based multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) employed to combine spatial weighted factors for different criteria including runoff curve number, rainfall depth, flow accumulation, drainage density, surface elevation, surface slope, surface cover, distance from drainage network, and population density.

Results indicate that about 29%, 36% and 12% of the total West Bank area are medium, high and very high vulnerable for flood hazard, respectively.

Whereas land having low and very low flood hazard areas represent about 15% and 8%, respectively.

Moreover, most of the Palestinian communities in different districts are located in high and very high flood hazard prone areas where about 90% of the total population are living.

The attained results can be adapted to realize any administrative strategy changes for cohesive flood hazard management in Palestine.