Review on Co-factors Triggering Flash Flood Occurrences in Indonesian Small Catchments

Abstract

Abstract Flash flood is defined as “a flood of short duration with a relatively high peak discharge,” which leaves little time to take action to reduce property damage and the risk to life. Flash floods occur not only because of heavy rainfall but some co-factors that can trigger it. This study aims to determine the co-factors that trigger the flash flood. Observations are carried out using a descriptive-qualitative approach of five small catchments in Indonesia, namely Bahorok Catchment (Langkat, North Sumatra), Kalijompo, and Kalipakis Catchment (Jember, East Java), Nasiri Catchment (Western Seram, Maluku), Wasior Catchment (Wondama Bay, West Papua). The dominant co-factors are related to rainfall IDF, morphological characteristics (slope, channel properties, flow pattern), geological conditions (rock, soil, structure, geohydrology), catchment conditions (vegetation, land use). Flash floods generally occur due to landslides in the upstream part of the river. Debris consisting of water, rock, and tree trunks can stem the river’s flow and form natural dams. In five flash flood cases under investigation, the causes of a flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall and the morphological characteristics are 60% and 40%, respectively. The quantitative measure of each co-factor that triggers flash floods is essential for further research to identify flash flood symptoms.