Flood Social Vulnerability Analysis of Jacksonville-Anniston-Oxford, Alabama Metropolitan Area

Keywords: Flood, social vulnerability, GIS, Jacksonville-Anniston-Oxford, Alabama metropolitan area
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 27

Abstract

Flood exposure and vulnerability is currently one of the main global concerns due to rapid land-use and climate changes. The United Nations (UN) predicts that 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050. Rapid urbanization processes would result in the destruction of water distribution lines, chaos in natural drainage system, and the increase of impermeable surfaces. Therefore, urban planners should prioritize flood risk management in urban areas due to the intervention of human man-made infrastructure in watershed systems, and reduction of water infiltration which consequently increases surface runoff in urban areas. The U.S. National Climate Reports indicate that the average annual precipitation rate of the U.S. is currently higher than the average values over the past 35 years. Along with the increase in average rate of precipitation, and population increase, the growing rates of urban flooding and the consequent economic losses in the United States requires reconsideration. Herein, effective flood response planning requires a better understanding of the flood impact and exposure. Thus, this study aims at assessing the social vulnerability of population in the Jacksonville-Anniston-Oxford, Alabama metropolitan area to efficiently respond to future flood events.