Flood Vulnerability Analysis using Remote Sensing and GIS A Case Study of Olpad Taluka of Surat

Abstract

Flood is considered as one of the most recurring and frequent disasters in the world. Due to recurrent occurrences, the economic loss and loss of human lives and livestock caused by the flood is much more than any other natural disaster. India is repeatedly affected by many flood events which have caused huge loss to the economy. It has been found that the incidences of the flood are increasing very rapidly. It can be attributed to many reasons including an increase in population, rapid urbanization, growing developmental and economic activities in floodplains and global warming. Out of the total geographical area of 329 million hectares (Mha), more than 40 Mha is flood prone. Frequent floods have caused massive damage to livelihood systems, property, infrastructure and public utilities. It is a cause for concern that flood-related damages have shown an increasing trend. The average annual flood damage in the last ten years period from 2005 to 2014 was US$ 43,974.27Million. On average every year, 75 lakh hectares of land is affected, 1600 lives are lost, and the damage caused to crops, houses and public utilities is Rs.18,050 million due to floods. In the year 1977, the maximum numbers of lives lost were 10,316. The frequency of significant floods is more than once in five years. Flood is a natural disaster and almost occurs in every part of the world. India has longest rivers passing from high population density area and during monsoon season, river floods are frequent in India. Most likely conditions causing floods are outdated or clogged drainage systems and rapid accumulation of rainfall. In Gujarat, Tapi River causes a flood in Surat and its nearby areas. Geospatial technology can play an essential role in providing valuable information useful in the flood assessment, mitigation and preparedness planning. Weather monitoring and effective communication for early warning have helped in the better management of floods. Demonstrated applications of Space Technology are a development of early warning system