Flash Flood Assessment and Management for Sustainable Development Using Geospatial Technology and WMS Models in Abha City, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abha city is distinguished by urbanization, infrastructure, deepening watercourses, and changes in runoff flow which encourage flash floods in the urban zones of many villages in the region. AlMahalah village is prone to flash flooding due to its geographic location near the outlet of convergence streams of significant flow. The Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), Water Modeling System (WMS), and Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) were used to assess the effects of flash floods on AlMahala village. Precipitation data from 1978 to 2020 was statistically processed and analysed to provide more information about flash flood hazards. With a 3-h lag time in both watersheds, the higher peak discharge in Wadi Abha than in Wadi Al Akkas indicates that flooding was a primary concern in Wadi Abha. With an average yearly rainfall of 520 mm, the hydrograph simulation from 1 to 5 April 2020 would contribute to the junction (outlet) point of AlMahala village with a peak discharge rate of 474.14 m3/s. The vegetation cover increased by 243 km2 in 2020 compared to 2016. The HEC-RAS model was used to calculate the water depth, velocity, and elevation of the water surface with and without dam installation. The study provides the administration with practical and reasonable procedures for avoiding flash flood destruction in urban areas.