Understanding Dynamic Remote Sensing for Flood Analysis: A Study of the Midwest Floods of 2019

Keywords: flooding, remote sensing, disaster management, mitigation, Midwest
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Flooding events are becoming commonplace in society, increasing in intensity and severity, and causing life-altering impacts to those in the path. The Midwest experienced one such flood in the Spring of 2019, especially affecting the Missouri River Valley of Nebraska and Iowa. Because of the nature of the disaster event and the impact it had across urban and rural landscapes, remote sensing and aerial imagery present an opportunity to use dynamic information sources to better understand the events and impacts that take place. The methods of visual comparison and statistical analysis highlight the level of impact of the flooding. This work examines the extent of the flooding on the shape, purpose, and potential vulnerability of the study area. It shows the extensive nature of this flooding event through the pre-flooding, flooding, and post-flooding imagery analysis in addition to the broad-ranging impacts the event had on society in the most affected area(s), and the unique role that remote sensing technology has in assisting with flooding analyzation. By conducting this analysis, the goal is to show the areas affected and those who are still especially vulnerable, considering the current state of recovery efforts. Decision makers can use these processes to better take mitigation actions to limit the losses of flooding events such as the Midwest Floods of 2019.