Integration of GIS and Hierarchical Multi-Criteria Analysis for Mapping Flood Vulnerability: The Case Study of M'sila, Algeria

K Loumi,A Redjem

doi:10.48084/etasr.4266

Abstract

This paper proposes the integration of GIS (Geographic Information System ) and HMA (Hierarchical Multi-criterion Analysis) offering a low-cost methodology to produce vulnerability maps. The quintessential role the rivers play in urban development has long been asserted and accepted. However, one of the subsequent consequences of these urban development activities is the increased frequency of floods. The case in point is the city of M’sila, Algeria. The subject city was settled along the banks of a river known as Oued El Ksob, which undoubtedly had a significant influence on its development. In the last 50 years, M’sila has experienced significant spatial growth, especially in its north and northwest sides. As such, the work presented in this article aims to assess the vulnerability of the city to the risks of flooding. The approach used is based on the combined use of the HMA method coupled with the GIS. The process allowed the graphical representation of the resulting analysis of complex data of the territory, i.e. the mapping of its vulnerability to flooding. The map has four vulnerability categories ranging from low to very strong. The proposed system serves as an essential decision-making tool for local government officials.

Highlights

Floods in urban arrears constitute a severe risk and have become more frequent and severe along with the rapid urban development [1]
Our research focused on analyzing and assessing the city vulnerability to flooding through integrated risk management
The approach in our case study is to assess the risk of flooding in the city of M’sila by applying Geographic Information System (GIS) features that take into account interpolation and recovery, based on multi-criterion analysis, in order to develop a vulnerability map

Summary

Introduction

Floods in urban arrears constitute a severe risk and have become more frequent and severe along with the rapid urban development [1]. The urbanization along the river banks has contributed to the increased risk, severity, and frequency of floods. This is one of the most common and destructive risks of natural disasters. To address the issue of urban growth impact on flooding risks requires a multi-criteria approach concerning several and different elements, conditions, and factors. Such an approach, when associated with the Geographic Information System (GIS), has been widely used in different contextual areas including flood management. The method has been used successfully to assess a territory's vulnerability to flood risks [4,5,6,7]

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