Flood hazard zonation of upper kolodyne using GIS and multi criteria decision analysis in Mizoram, India

Abstract

Kolodyne is the largest river in Mizoram. The river originates in Myanmar where it flows in a southerly direction and enters Mizoram where it is called Chhimtuipui river and it becomes the international border between India and Myanmar. The Kolodyne river meets several rivers in Mizoram before it enters Chin State in Myanmar again. The upper Kolodyne river has caused destructive floods recently, however, attempts to delineate the flood hazard zones have not been carried out. This river is a source of livelihood for many families in the region and it had wrecked havoc in the past monsoon seasons with the loss of lives and property. The potential flood hazard zonation of the upper Kolodyne watershed using geographic information systems and multi-criteria decision analysis has revealed that about 40% of the total watershed fall in the high and very high potential zones and flood control measures are needed to be updated.