Suitable Flood Management for Urban Commercial Communities: A Case Study of Urban Communities in Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

       Ubon Ratchathani Province is located at the end of two tributaries, the Mun and Chi Rivera. Heavy water flows from high ground can cause flooding in riverside plains, especially in the provincial economic areas of Muang Ubon Ratchathani and Warin Chamrap Districts. These are important commercial community sites. This paper proposes suitable flood management for urban commercial communities through a case studies of Ubon Ratchathani Province urban communities. The aim is to determine the cause and severity of flooding problems and urban flooding in Muang Ubon Ratchathani and Warin Chamrap Districts in Ubon Ratchathani Province, as well as setting appropriate guidelines for fast and efficient urban flood management.

          Results were that flooding in urban areas of Ubon Ratchathani Province were not caused by area rainfall but rather by five reasons: 1) topography; 2) Ubon Ratchathani city planning; 3) dam construction; 4) seasonal storms; and 5) action planning for flood events, remedies, and restoration. Studying flood maps and satellite images from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) from 2011 to 2019 revealed a moderate level of flooding danger in Ubon Ratchathani Province (moderate flooding danger). These findings suggest that appropriate solutions should be found for the urban commercial community of Ubon Ratchathani Province to reduce loss of life and property. Eight main initiatives may be considered: 1) managing the Upper and Lower Mun River Basin Committees; 2) setting goals and directions and formulating an integrated work plan; 3) Boosting clarity about roles and missions of different organizations; 4) encouraging proactivity among relevant agencies in problem-solving; 5) focusing on advocacy and motivation issues; 6) strictly enforcing urban planning laws; 7) preparing flood disaster management information; and 8) building communities self-preparedness and strength in disaster management (community-based disaster risk management or CBDRM)