Urbanization and flood risk analysis using geospatial techniques

Abstract

This research investigates the relationship between urbanization as a land use/land cover change and the increased flood disasters in Accra. Understanding this relationship will provide evidence for urban development planners, policy makers and flood managers to coordinate in responding to the problems effectively. This study maps and analyzes the changes in urbanization from 1991 to 2015. The research reviews the trends of flood events in Greater Accra and analyzes the relationship between the pattern of urbanization and the increase in flood disaster events from 1991 to 2015. The research revealed that there was an increase in urban land use/land cover change of up to 95.51% and 129.14% in the periods 1991–2002 and 2002–2015 respectively. The pattern of urbanization took place in an unplanned style, where physical developments in waterways became high. The findings show that the pattern of flood disasters increased from 1991 to 2015 with evidence showing two years having repeated flood events.