Flood risk susceptibility and evaluation by AHP technique in Denizli, Turkiye

Abstract

Flood remains one of the most devastating natural calamities worldwide, inflicting
irreparable damage upon society, the environment, and critical infrastructure. The
compounding effects of climate change have only deepened the complexity of this challenge.
Hence, a comprehensive exploration of the flood phenomenon from diverse perspectives
becomes imperative, necessitating interdisciplinary collaboration with specialists from
various fields of study. In this vein, the present study endeavors to evaluate eleven influential
factors utilizing advanced technologies such as Google Earth Engine (GEE), Geographic
Information System (GIS), and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The outcome of this
concerted effort is the development of a Flood Hazard Map (FHM), which accuracy was
verified through a rigorous comparison with historical events. This model proves highly
effective in discerning flood-prone regions, garnering substantial acceptance from rational
perspectives. The ensuing results reveal that nearly half of the region under scrutiny is
characterized by high and very high hazard levels, underscoring the urgent need for further
in-depth investigations in this domain. Moreover, it is of paramount importance to
acknowledge the profound impact of the June 2023 flood, a pivotal and well-documented
factor influencing the outcomes of this study. Overlooking this critical aspect could portend
irreversible consequences for the future. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the
significance of interdisciplinary cooperation, the potential ramifications of climate change,
and the crucial historical events that shape our understanding of floods. Effective strategies
to mitigate flood risks, safeguard lives, and protect irreplaceable resources can be developed
by adopting a holistic strategy.