Flood risk assessment in Limbe (Cameroon) using a GIS weighed sum method

Keywords: Flood Risk, Assesment, GIS, Weighted Sum
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 13

Abstract

Climate change, urbanization, and land subsidence are increasing risks of dangerous and costly flooding in Africa’s coastal regions. Flood risk mapping has become an important tool for assessing flood risks in coastal areas to guide planning and mitigation efforts by local officials. This study mapped and assessed flood risk zones in Limbe, Cameroon, using a GIS weighted sum method. Flood risk zones were delineated based on several environmental factors, including precipitation, elevation, slope, soil texture, land use/land cover, and flow accumulation. The findings classified about 50 % of land in Limbe as having either high or very high vulnerability to flooding. The highest risk areas were concentrated in the upstream and downstream areas of Ejengele and Limbe Rivers. Only about 9% of Limbe was classified as very low risk, suggesting that most of the land area is susceptible to flooding. The resulting flood risk maps provide vital information for urban and risk management planning professionals.