Analysis of Driving Forces and Spatio‐temporal Characteristics of Flash Flood Disasters Based on Big Data: A Case Study of Fujian Province

Abstract The analysis of driving forces and spatiotemporal characteristics of flash flood disasters is the foundation for regional disaster early warning and prevention planning. Due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, Fujian Province experiences frequent flash flood disasters. In‐depth research on the driving forces and spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of flash flood disasters in Fujian Province is of great significance for establishing a flood disaster early warning system and mitigating flash flood disasters in the province. A geographic database for flash flood disaster risk analysis in Fujian Province was constructed based on big data to deeply explore the driving factors and spatio‐temporal distribution characteristics of flash floods. By sorting and analyzing historical flash flood disaster data, combined with GIS technology, methods such as kernel density analysis, standard deviational ellipse, and mean center analysis were employed to reveal the formation mechanism and driving forces of flash floods as well as the spatio‐temporal distribution characteristics within the study area. The results indicate that (1) flash floods are positively correlated with upstream basin rainfall characteristics and negatively correlated with flood carrying capacity; (3) flash floods have shown a significant increasing trend since 1988, spatially presenting a pattern of large dispersion with small concentrations, and are comprehensively influenced by various factors such as rainfall, terrain, river networks, and human activities. This study can provide an important basis for the prevention and control of flash floods in Fujian Province, and is of great significance for safeguarding people's lives and property as well as promoting sustainable economic and social development in the region.