Flood Susceptibility Assessment through Statistical Models and HEC-RAS Analysis for Sustainable Management in Essaouira Province, Morocco

A flood susceptibility assessment of the Essaouira Province, Morocco, identified the village of Diabat along the Oued Ksob as highly vulnerable to flooding. This finding was derived from three robust statistical models—Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Frequency Ratio (FR), and Weights of Evidence (WoE)—each validated with a high Area Under the Curve (AUC) score of 90. The study analyzed ten flood-influencing factors, including slope, elevation, and land use patterns, to create a detailed susceptibility map. Hydraulic modeling using HEC-RAS further confirmed Diabat's exposure, providing critical insights for sustainable flood management in Essaouira. These results empower decision-makers with data-driven strategies to mitigate flood risks and minimize potential damages.

Khouz, A., Trindade, J., Santos, P. P., Oliveira, S. C., El Bchari, F., Bougadir, B., Garcia, R. A. C., Reis, E., Jadoud, M., Saouabe, T., & Rachidi, S. (2023). Flood Susceptibility Assessment through Statistical Models and HEC-RAS Analysis for Sustainable Management in Essaouira Province, Morocco. Geosciences, 13(12), 382. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13120382