Flood hazard mapping using GIS in Kenya- A HEC-RAS model applied to mapping the Enkare Narok River

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to come up with a visual tool to aid in the visualization of flood prone areas, determine the causes of floods and estimate the total damage caused by floods in Narok town. The study uses Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer(ASTER) 30m resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) for the extraction of the river properties and geometry and Hydrological Engineering Center -River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) for the hydrological routing of the Enkare Narok river so as to carry out the unsteady flow simulation that yields the production of the flood prone areas, and the cause of flooding. This flood hazard map will help in the forecasting of floods and further help in the creation of an early warning system.