Two-dimensional flooding model using IBER software case Study: Saidia City North east of Morocco

Abstract

In the last two decades, Morocco has suffered a lot from catastrophic flooding, resulting in enormous damage to materials and loss of human life. The Sadia City (northeast Morocco), in our case of this study, is the most urbanized area with a high concentration of socio-economic activities in the region. Sadia is located downstream of the Moulouya watershed known for its low topography, and high vulnerability to fluvial and torrential flooding. The study aims to simulate the flood hazard index in the city of Saidia and consists of developing a two-dimensional (2D) flooding model using IBER software, and then producing maps of water flow and water velocity based on a 1-meter DTM. Then, we use GIS to map the hazard index of the areas with a high risk of flooding over a return period of 50 years. These hydraulic models were used to elucidate the risk of the Moulouya River overflowing its catchment area and to assist the stakeholders in decision-making about adequate measures to protect human life in Saidia City.