Flood hazard assessment in Central Mexico: the case of Iztapalapa, Federal District (1998-2005)

Abstract

The different biophysical factors that have influenced the floods and subsidence incidence in the delegation of Iztapalapa, Distrito Federal, Central Mexico were considered. The analysis taken into account a procedure based on in cartographic overlaying and evaluation of factor weights. The hazard level was evaluated starting from the consideration of the variables that allow describing the flood characteristics (frequency, maximum height and maximum extend) and on the other hand, the variables that have influence in the presence of them (subsidence magnitude, slope inclination and, hydraulic infrastructure capacity). As well, the analysis was based on the meteorological analysis to determine its influence in the magnitude of floods, as well as in the fieldwork for checking and confirmation of results. Of the seventeen colonies evaluated in field, eight of them have the very dangerous level of floods, corresponding to 6% of the delegation area. These areas are located to the east, coinciding spacely with the places of more subsidence level or and with the hydraulic-collector systems of more spill volume. Most of floods are from rain origin; however, this variable was not decisive in their spatial presence.

Keywords

• Inundaciones
• amenazas
• subsidencia del terreno
• Iztapalapa
• México