Flood Risk Assessment Basing on Flood Flow Modeling in the Oued Martil Region, Western Part of Northern Morocco

Abstract

In the context of climate change, the risk of flooding is becoming an increasingly global concern. In addition, natural factors, economic development and urban expansion are significant contributors that have generated a strong demand for the management of natural risks, especially in the domain of floods and inundations. This research aims to address the issue of flood risk management in the Oued Martil region, specifically within the cities of Tetouan and Martil in the western part of Northern Morocco. In this regard, this study focuses on evaluating the performance of hydrological analysis of the Oued Martil plain and modeling flood flows in the Oued bed and in the plain overflow area. The results of this study show that the risk of flooding is significant in urbanized and densely populated areas (with high vulnerability) that match with zones with high or moderate hazard. Conversely, the risk of damage is lower for forests situated in areas with low or moderate hazard. The results obtained from hydraulic modeling can assist decision-makers in selecting the types of interventions for floodplain development by providing a comprehensive understanding of Oued Martil's behavior during the exceedance of peak flow rates for different return periods.