Assessing Seasonal Flood Hazards and Its Mitigation Strategies: The Case of Adama City

Abstract

Understanding the repercussions of floods is critical for effective disaster risk management, particularly in urban settings where they pose significant threats to public health and safety. This study investigates flood hazards in Adama City, Ethiopia, employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates primary data from field surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with secondary data from historical records, climate data, and Geographic Information System (GIS) analyses. Key findings reveal that 41% of the studied area is classified as having very high or high flood risk, underscoring the urgent need for targeted mitigation efforts. Notably, 94% of respondents expressed concerns about drainage, yet few had received flood preparedness training, indicating a significant gap in community awareness. Residents in flood-prone areas face severe consequences, including home destruction and disruptions to education and local businesses, with observations showing that the natural drainage system in densely populated areas exacerbates soil erosion and flooding. To address these challenges, the study recommends improving drainage infrastructure, implementing sustainable urban design practices, creating a comprehensive flood emergency plan, enhancing community engagement, and improving data management. While Adama City has taken steps to tackle flooding?��?such as constructing new drainage systems and conducting community workshops?��?there are limitations, including inadequate long-term strategies, insufficient outreach and education on flood preparedness, project delays, and a lack of ongoing maintenance for drainage systems. By addressing these limitations, Adama City can strengthen its flood management strategies, ultimately fostering a safer and more resilient urban environment.