Application of Remote sensing and GIS Techniques for Flood Vulnerability and Mitigation Planning in Munshiganj District of Bangladesh

Munshiganj district is situated on the mixed floodplains of rivers the Ganges (Padma), the Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and the Meghna. Every year even during normal rainy season floodwater drains through bordering rivers of the area to the Bay of Bengal. Most of the severe floods affect the area and cause maximum damages to the lives and properties in comparison to other areas. On the other hand, the area is densely populated and the number is rapidly increasing rising the number of people at risk.This study was carried out to create flood vulnerability map of Munshiganj district using satellite and GIS techniques. Landsat TM data was used to generate a land cover, and JERS-SAR and RADASAT data were combined to map flooded area in a normal flood event. Combining them with population data a population distribution map was produced according to land usetypes. Subsequently, this outcome was compared with flooded area mapped using satellite data in creating population that is at risk during a normal flood event. Attempt was made to identify shelters in a flood event based on information such as existing schools/hospitals location, topography and accessibility. Prioritization of shelters was carried out based on population at risk during a normal flood event. Finally, a flood mitigation plan for Munshiganj district based on evacuation was proposed considering selected center capacities and the accessibility.