A multi-criteria approach to fluvial flood vulnerability assessment: A case study of lower Manya Krobo municipality

Abstract

Fluvial flooding predominantly occurs in areas near large water bodies. This study utilized an integrated approach combining Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess fluvial flood vulnerability in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, Ghana. Ten causative factors of flooding were derived from remotely sensed data and weighted using AHP. The model revealed that 9.19% of the municipality is in a very high-risk zone, and 26.76% is in a high-risk zone, with slope and elevation identified as the primary contributors to flooding. Notable towns and landmarks within the very high- and high-risk zones include parts of Kpong and Akuse, along with Obele M.A. Primary School, Modern Senior High School, and Presby and New Covenant Apostolic Churches. These findings highlight vulnerable areas and provide valuable data for disaster management agencies, such as the National Disaster Management Organization and the Volta River Authority, to enhance flood preparedness and mitigation efforts in the region. • GIS and AHP used to assess fluvial flood vulnerability in Ghana. • Ten flood factors analyzed from remote sensing data. • 9.19% of the study area identified as very high flood-risk zone. • Generated flood-risk map highlights vulnerable towns and infrastructure. • Results guide NADMO and VRA for proactive flood mitigation efforts.