Flood Hazard Evaluation Using a Flood Potential Index

Abstract

Areas subject to flooding must be carefully analyzed to make correct measures for preventing disasters that impact the population’s lives and economy. In this article, we propose a flood potential index (FPI) to estimate flood susceptibility, using an optimal selection of weights for the criteria contributing to flooding risk evaluation. Comparisons with the situation when equal weights are assigned to each factor are exemplified in a case study from the Vărbilău catchment (Romania). The study reveals the necessity of an objective factor weighting choice for determining the flooded zones. The results are validated with the available data from the Romanian Waters Institute.