Journal of Engineering Research
Innovation and Scientific Development

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1M. I. Alfa,  2H.I Owamah,  3D.B. Adie,  4B.U. Ovuarume,  5H.B. Yaroson, 

1. 1  Department of Civil Engineering, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
2. 2  Department of Civil Engineering, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
3. 3  Department of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria, Nigeria
4. 4  Yaroson Partnership Limited, Kaduna, Nigeria
5. 5  Yaroson Partnership Limited, Kaduna, Nigeria

doi https://doi.org/10.61448/jerisd12231

Abstract

While flood inundation mapping and risk assessment have been identified as non-structural measures for the control of floods, the application of GIS-based techniques has been identified as better alternatives to the traditional methods used over time. GIS tools and HEC-RAS models were utilized for a comprehensive flood risk assessment of the Ofu River Catchment as a case study. A total land area of 265.436 km2 and 92,016 persons are at risk of a 100-year flood return period, while a land area of 265.916 km2 and 1,959,288 persons are at risk of a 200-year flood in addition to roads, built and scattered settlements, forest reserves, oil palm plantations, churches, mosques, schools, police stations, primary health clinics, markets, and wireless masts that will be at risk. The study demonstrated that the application of the GIS and HEC-RAS models is an effective tool for accurate flood risk assessment at the catchment level.