Flood Vulnerability Analysis of Calhoun County Alabama

Keywords: Flood, Exposure, Vulnerability, GIS, Calhoun County, Alabama
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Flood exposure and vulnerability is currently one of the main global concerns due to rapid land-use and climate changes. Floods have been affecting low-lying areas in recent years. Many southeastern cities of the United States have been experiencing heavy rainfall events which increases the flood frequencies and expose the growing population and infrastructure 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. This indicates increase in flood frequencies and with rapid urbanization it would result in the destruction of water distribution lines, chaos in natural drainage system, and the increase of impermeable surfaces. In this study, we prioritized Calhoun County’s floodplains in terms of the flood risk, considering significant influential factors to urban flooding. To assess the flood vulnerability and exposure, we estimated the number of commercial buildings, residential buildings, and populations in floodplains that are at the highest risk. Assessing the floodplains and the population’s and buildings’ risks and their geographic information would assist local authorities and communities for better and faster response against future urban flood events and manage Calhoun county ‘s floodplains more effectively.