Application of HEC-RAS and HEC-LifeSim models for flood risk assessment

Abstract

For two decades, the flood risk has become a challenge for all authorities in the world. However, its mitigation can be conducted through structural and non-structural measures. The non-structural measures include the flood risk assessment and management, the evacuating process during the flood, and land use management. This case study used HEC-RAS and HEC-LifeSim models to assess the potential flood risk, Mohammedia (Morocco), associated with Malleh dam rupture. The HEC-RAS2D Hydraulic model was calibrated for one flood and its sensitivity to the Manning was analysed. Thus, the potential life loss simulation was conducted using the socio-economic and Hydraulic data using HEC-LifeSim according to two alternatives of the evacuation process. The results showed that traffic management during floods decreases the probability of life loss. Overall results showed that the city is vulnerable to the disaster simulated in terms of road network capacity that can be used for the evacuation process.