Using GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for flood hazard assessment based on morphological and hydrological criteria, case of the Meknes region, Morocco

Flooding is one of the most significant natural disasters affecting North Africa. Its impact is increasingly intensified by climate change. Flood risk is a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, highlighting the importance of understanding its spatial distribution in order to plan effective land management strategies. The main aim of this study is to identify and map areas at risk of flooding in the R'dom catchment area (Meknes, Morocco). This hazard is assessed by taking into account morphological criteria (slope, altitude, density of the hydrographic network, curvature) and hydrological criteria (drainage density, stream power index (SPI) and rainfall data). The methodology adopted is essentially based on a multicriteria analysis using analytical hierarchy process (AHP), with the use of GIS tools and satellite data. A flood hazard map was drawn up, with classification according to degree of susceptibility. The resulting map reveals that 26.3% of the study area is characterized by a high to very high flood hazard. Moderate flood risk accounts for 56.9% of the study area. These results underline the crucial need to implement effective flood mitigation strategies to protect communities from flooding.