RISK MITIGATION AND OPTIMIZATION USE OF RUNOFF WATER IN WADI Al- ASSUITY, EASTERN DESERT OF EGYPT

Abstract

Egypt is currently suffering from water shortages. This shortage is expected to increase significantly, as a result of increased population growth, agricultural and industrial activities, and development demands. So it was important to research the storage and the optimal use of any possible water resources that could contribute to the provision of any amount of water no matter how small or large the quantity. As the Eastern Desert of Egypt is full of wadis, which are subject to sudden rainfall, huge amount of runoff water is wasted. Water flows over the ground to dry either by evaporation or by the amount of water that leaks through the soil. Moreover, over the years, these floods have caused disasters, threats and destruction to villages and towns. Since Egypt needs every drop of water, floodwaters may cover part of these needs. This paper contributes to the mitigation of the dangers of flood waters in Wadi Al- Assuity in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, finding practical solutions for storing them, protecting villages from their disasters and using their water to achieve sustainable development in the surrounding environment. The results of this research are summarized in the assessment of the Wadi Al- Assuity in terms of: determination of geomorphological characteristics, estimation and evaluation of the size of the annual precipitation and the size of the floods that threaten the urban communities located on the basin's ports, mitigate the risks and threats of this basin by taking advantage of the flood waters and taking them as a source of water. Methods of storage and use of flood water through the construction of check dams and protection dams, cisterns (reservoirs), collection ponds, or others.