Assessing the vulnerability of transport network to flood hazard using GIS analysis. Case study along Orient-East Med TEN-T Corridor, on Timiș-Cerna Valley, Romania

Abstract

In the context of current climate change, it is estimated that flood risk will increase significantly, with important consequences for the human habitat and transport networks. Research literature features a continuous concern both for the improvement of flood hazard modeling and for the quantification of economic costs specific to material and human damage caused by floods. In the present study, we intend to perform an analysis on the vulnerability of the transport network along the Orient-East Med (OEM) Corridor, part of the TEN-T Core network at European level. By integrating flood bands with high (10 years) and medium (100 years) probability of recurrence, as well as various typologies of the transport network in a GIS environment, we successfully identified and characterized road and railway sectors susceptible to flooding events. Vector overlay analysis and statistical methods were validated by means of local research literature, field observations and aerial imagery. Our results feature the geographic distribution and statistical characterization of transport infrastructure vulnerable to flood risk along Timiș-Cerna Valley, in south-western Romania. We also discuss the state of current flood risk mitigation measures for transport network in the study area, along with the importance of our research for regional and local spatial planning documents and investment prioritization activities. Similar spatially-enabled analysis could enable better protection for the current and proposed transport infrastructure and minimize the damaging effects of flash floods.