Assessing the Impact of Urban Flooding on Cities through Hydraulic Modelling

Urban floods are one of the major challenges in the sustainable management of urban areas, which have intensified due to climate change and the rapid expansion of urbanization. These floods, especially in coastal and low-lying areas, create significant risks for infrastructure and human settlements and have extensive economic and social consequences. With the increase in heavy and short-term rains, the necessity of surface runoff management and accurate prediction of flood patterns in urban areas is felt more than ever.

Hydraulic modeling is critical as one of the basic tools in predicting flood behavior and reducing its effects in urban environments. Using the HEC-RAS 2D model and supporting QGIS software, this research examines the hydraulic modeling of urban runoff caused by floods in the coastal city of Catania. This method allows accurate flood flow simulation and dynamic water movement analysis in complex urban environments.

The main goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and capability of hydraulic models as a tool for analyzing the vulnerability caused by heavy rainfall runoff in urban environments. Also, flood maps are reviewed to identify high-risk points and prioritize vulnerable areas.

Finally, this research highlights the importance of accurate modeling and integration of hydrological and hydraulic approaches, along with attention to detail, to provide sustainable and practical solutions to reduce the risks of urban floods.