Determining the benefits of flood control and flood damage control measures in the lower Orange River: A GIS application

Abstract

When topographical, hydrological, hydraulic and economic information is integrated with the aid of a flood damage simulation model, the total mean annual flood damage can be estimated. With the total mean annual flood damage known, it is possible to ascertain the benefits of several flood mitigation measures. These measures are normally implemented to reduce the physical extent of floods, relieve the effect of a flood on humans and the community and reduce the tendency toward flooding in different areas. It is not economically justified to implement measures to such an extent that they will prevent the total risk of flood losses. The benefits gained from flood mitigation measures should at least exceed the costs involved. Consequently, an optimal package of flood mitigation measures should be compiled where the marginal benefits are equal to the marginal cost. The purpose of this paper is to identify relevant flood mitigation measures for the research area, discuss their benefits an d drawbacks, after which the possibilities for application in the research area are analysed.

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