Author(s): Emily Thompson, James Wilson and Sarah Parker

Abstract: Urban flooding has become an increasingly severe challenge for cities worldwide, driven by rapid urbanization, changing land use patterns, and climate-induced precipitation variability. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of urban flood risk through the integrated application of remote sensing and hydrologic modeling tools. Multi-temporal satellite data from Landsat 8 and Sentinel-1 were utilized to derive land use and surface characteristics, while high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (SRTM and LiDAR) were used to delineate drainage networks and catchment boundaries. Hydrologic simulations were conducted using the HEC-HMS model, and flood hydraulics were analyzed through HEC-RAS 2D to produce inundation depth and extent maps across different return periods (10, 25, 50, and 100 years). The study area experienced significant urban expansion between 2012 and 2022, with built-up areas increasing by approximately 37%, leading to higher peak discharges and greater inundation coverage. Model calibration and validation yielded high performance (NSE = 0.84, R² = 0.86), while flood extent detection using satellite imagery achieved an AUC of 0.89, indicating strong predictive accuracy. Results revealed that impervious surface growth and drainage degradation are key drivers of flood magnitude and spatial extent. Exposure analysis indicated that both population and critical infrastructure are increasingly concentrated in high-risk zones, exacerbating urban vulnerability. The study concludes that integrating remote sensing with hydrologic modeling offers a robust framework for urban flood assessment, enabling data-driven policy formulation and sustainable disaster risk management. Practical recommendations include adopting flood-resilient urban planning, upgrading drainage systems, implementing green infrastructure, and integrating early warning systems into city management frameworks. The findings highlight the necessity of multi-disciplinary approaches that blend technology, infrastructure planning, and community resilience to mitigate the growing threat of urban floods.

Pages: 45-50 | Views: 4 | Downloads: 3

Download Full Article: Click Here