06/01/2024
In a concerted effort to comprehend and address the inherent flood vulnerabilities within Sunamganj, the YouthMappers at SUST undertook a pivotal initiative titled "Geospatial Analysis of Sunamganj's Flood Vulnerabilities: OSM-Enhanced Exploration of the Haor Landscape." The team, comprising 15 members, including 8 females and 7 males, set forth with a clear mission: to immerse themselves in the heart of the region, systematically collecting ground-level data to underpin a comprehensive disaster mapping endeavor.
Guided by a commitment to collaboration and innovation, the team ventured into the Haor landscape equipped with cutting-edge tools and applications designed to amplify their data collection capabilities. Over the course of a dynamic two-day expedition, the team navigated the intricate waterways and diverse terrain of Sunamganj, utilizing a range of transportation modes such as boats, autos, and rickshaws to access key points pivotal for an in-depth analysis of the region's topography.
Immersed in the field, the team dedicated two full days to the meticulous collection of data, focusing on crucial parameters including distance from the river, elevation, and slope. These metrics were methodically measured using advanced tools, ensuring the creation of a robust dataset that would serve as the cornerstone for informed decision-making.
Upon the team's return to base, armed with a wealth of information from the on-site exploration, the transition to the next phase involved harnessing geo-spatial tools to unravel the complexities inherent in Sunamganj's flood vulnerabilities. This integration of technology with on-the-ground observations exemplifies the team's commitment to not just producing data but generating actionable insights capable of catalyzing positive change.
Subsequent to the data collection phase, geospatial approaches were employed to combine seven critical criteria—rainfall, land use and land cover change, NDWI, NDVI, distance from the river, elevation, slope, and drainage density. This amalgamation facilitated the creation of a risk distribution map for the Sunamganj District, offering a comprehensive understanding of the flood-prone areas.
The Haor, one of the largest wetland systems in the northeast region of Bangladesh, plays a vital role in the country's economy with its natural richness and biodiversity. Given the region's susceptibility to flash floods, the study aimed to contribute to flood mitigation planning. The study considered the significance of mapping flood hazards for effective land-use planning in flood-prone areas, generating charts and maps that aid administrators and planners in identifying risk regions and prioritizing mitigation and response activities.
The project incorporated two types of data: topographic data, including Digital Elevation Model (DEM), satellite images, and annual rainfall data from meteorological sources. The slope map, crucial for understanding landscape stability, was created using the DEM and slope creation capabilities in ArcGIS software. Additionally, rainfall data for eleven years (2018–2022) was interpolated using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) to create a continuous raster rainfall dataset.
The drainage density, reflective of soil and geotechnical properties, was considered in the study, highlighting areas susceptible to erosion and sedimentation. Land-use and land-cover management were integral to flood hazard mapping, with existing classes reclassified to assess their impact on flooding.
This ambitious disaster mapping project was made possible through the generous sponsorship of AP Hub Asia Pacific, underscoring collaborative efforts aimed at fostering progress and resilience. Their support empowered the team to delve deeper into the challenges faced by Sunamganj, with the ultimate goal of developing strategies to mitigate the impact of floods on this vulnerable landscape.
As the team navigates the intricate landscape of data analysis, their story unfolds—a narrative of dedication, innovation, and collaboration. The "Geospatial Analysis of Sunamganj's Flood Vulnerabilities" project, fueled by the support of Open Mapping Hub - Asia Pacific, stands as a beacon of proactive engagement, showcasing the potential of leveraging technology for the greater good of communities facing environmental challenges.
