Flood Hazard Assessment Using Multi-Criteria Analysis and Remote Sensing Data in Dwiridj Basin, Maysan Governorate, Southeastern Iraq

Abstract

A Flood Hazard Assessment of the Dwiridj Basin area (approximately 3,537 km2 in the Maysan governorate of southernmost Iraq was done by the use of an expert-based, multicriteria, GIS-based approach that used Geographic Information Systems for spatial analysis. The five selected controlling criteria included Elevation, Slope, Mean Monthly Precipitation (2014-2024), Drainage Density, and the Topographic Wetness Index. All criteria were normalized by the application of fuzzy membership functions, and then all normalized criteria values were combined using a Gamma Fuzzy Overlay Operator within ArcGIS to create a Flood Hazard Index. An evaluation of the flood hazard index resulted in classification into four levels of flood hazard. Area statistics were generated by each level. The results indicated that 20% (707 km²) of the basin had little or no flood hazard potential; 45% (1592 km²) had low flood hazard potential; 25% (884 km²) had moderate flood hazard potential; and 10% (354 km²) had high flood hazard potential. The resulting map offers a practical foundation for prioritizing mitigation and preparedness within the basin.