Heliyon (Nov 2024)
Assessment of coastal flood risk scenarios on infrastructure in the Keta municipality in Ghana using a GIS approach
Abstract
Coastal flooding and erosion, caused by climate change-induced sea level rise, pose significant threats to low-lying coastal areas worldwide. The African continent, including Ghana, has experienced severe impacts from these hazards, affecting the socio-economic development of coastal communities. This research focuses on the Keta municipality in Ghana. The Keta municipality is highly vulnerable to coastal flooding and erosion due to its low elevation and the construction of the Akosombo hydroelectric dam. This research aims to predict the impact of coastal flooding on infrastructure in the Keta municipality using different flood scenarios. It also fills the existing knowledge gap in understanding how future flood risk can impact on critical infrastructure and consequently on other vital socio-economic sectors in the coastal community of Keta. The study utilizes a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach, combining various datasets, including topographic data, administrative shapefiles, field survey points, and infrastructure data. Two flood scenarios were considered to assess areas at risk: a 2.5-m sea level flood scenario representing potential climate change events and a worst-case 5-m sea level flood scenario. The findings reveal that 3.3 km2 (9 %) of coastal land area, 3.9 km of roads, and 69 structures are at risk under a 2.5m sea level rise scenario, increasing to 7.1 km2 (19.4 %), 13.6 km of roads, and 667 structures under a 5m scenario. The study highlights the urgency of addressing these risks to protect coastal communities' socio-economic development and livelihoods. Recommendations include implementing appropriate coastal management strategies, improving infrastructure resilience, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. By understanding and addressing the future impact of coastal flooding, decision-makers can mitigate climate change's adverse effects on coastal areas and ensure the region's long-term sustainability.
