Flood Risk Assessment in the Community of Pradera Alta, Municipality of Maracaibo, Venezuela

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to identify the areas susceptible to flooding in the Parish Church Francisco Eugenio Bustamante of the Community of Pradera Alta. The methodology applied involves a site exploration for the identification of natural and non-natural risks, sample lab analyses for the assessment of physical and mechanical characteristics of soils and geo-electric surveys for the identification of aquifers, ground level depth and thickness. Three areas with distinctive risk levels (high, average and low) were identified. The most vulnerable sector is located in the far northwest of the community. The residents are at risk both inside and outside of their homes due to the high probability of flood occurrence. Evidence shows that the main factors contributing to the occurrence of floods in this sector are associated with soil characteristics, hydrological conditions, ground slopes and soil erosion in addition to non-natural factors which are attributed to the lack of territorial planning.

Keywords

• estudios de vulnerabilidad y riesgo
• riesgo por inundación
• ordenamiento territorial
• comunidad Pradera Alta
• Venezuela.