Flood Hazard Zoning of Upper Awash River Basin, Ethiopia, Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) as Compared to Sensitivity Analysis

Abstract

Floods and droughts have been two of the most devastating consequences of the climate crisis affecting billions of people in the world. However, unlike the other natural hazards, flooding is manageable through appropriate flood management mechanisms. This study emphasizes on developing a flood hazard zone for the Upper Awash River Basin (UARB), Ethiopia. Six relevant climate, physiographic, and biophysical factors were considered. Then, a flood hazard map was developed employing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and further validated using sensitivity analysis and collected flood marks. The results revealed that drainage density, rainfall, and elevation have higher significance, while land use and soil permeability have a low impact in the process of flood generation. The map showed vulnerable areas at different levels and can serve as a valuable input for the decision makers to consider in the process of implementing emergency plans as well as long-term flood mitigation options.