Journal of Geography  & Natural Disasters
Open Access

Abstract

Cartography of Flooding Hazard in Semi-Arid Climate: The Case of Tata Valley (South-East of Morocco)

Said Boutaleb, Echogdali FZ, Jauregui J and Elmouden A

 Reliable estimates of river stream flow and flood zoning maps are needed for water resources management such as flood mitigation, water supply, dam construction and irrigation. The flood hazard caused by Tata River in the Southeast of Morocco Kingdom, is assessed using statistical modeling technique (Weibull), hydraulic modeling with HEC-RAS and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Four flood maps for return periods of 20, 50, 100 and 500 years are generated. For the four return periods the maximum depth of water reached by the river and extent of flooding are estimated. For 500 year return period (Q=860 m3/s), water average depth on the left river (Teghremt) and right one (Tata) is 2.20 m and 3.05 m, respectively. The flood hazard modeling reveals that the flooded zone is more significant out of the left (east) tributary (Teghremt) than out of the right (West) Tata river. Through lateral flood zoning maps, areas that are vulnerable to flooding hazards have been identified. This information is useful in defining the minimum height of flood protection structures such as dikes to protect the area from flooding. The results can be useful for evacuation planning, estimation of damages and post flood recovery efforts.