Statistical and Spatial Analyses of the Kelantan Big Yellow Flood 2014

Abstract

Flooding is a yearly phenomenon which is mostly reflected in the Kelantan River basin during the northeast monsoon season due to the heavy rainfall. The December 2014 flood in Kelantan known as ‘Kelantan big yellow flood’ was unprecedented and the largest recorded flooding event in the century. Flood mitigation, especially in massive floods, should focus on minimizing the risk of severe flooding in one area. A reliable flood extent map is essential to plan proper flood mitigation measures by authorities prior to the extreme flood event (say 1 in 1000 years event). This study is an attempt to resolve the issue of severe flooding in a given area by preparing a map of zones prone to flooding. This was achieved mainly by site visits to the flood-prone area and gathering primary data from face to face interview with local people who were the victims of this flooding. This primary data is also crucial in determining flood vulnerability with respect to economic and social impacts. The integration of primary data with secondary data from several related agencies has resulted in preparing a reliable flood extent map which is slightly different from other such maps developed by Government, NGOs and active researchers in this field. The empirical findings using frequency analysis also helped in preparing a flood vulnerability index based on primary data gathered from the local people who were the flood victims.