Abstract:
Flood is the most frequent disaster and causes loss of life and destruction of property. The
objective of this study was to analyze flood effects, mapping, and management strategies in
Sebeta Hawas District of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. To meet the intended objectives of the study
three Kebeles were selected using simple random sampling techniques. From the Kebeles, 220
respondents were surveyed to acquire the study area population socioeconomic data. Primary
data collected using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and field observation,
were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Moreover, flood susceptible Maps
were generated through overlaid rated flood-causing factors including slope, elevation,
rainfall, drainage density, land use/land cover, soil type, and topographic wetness index using
frequency ratio model in the ArcGIS environment. Flood generating factor frequency ratio
values were computed by dividing previous flood points in sub-class by the percent of area in
the sub-class. The generated map indicated that 1507.1, 4161.0, 9725.0, 46950.0, and 12618.0
ha corresponds with very low, low, moderate, high, and very high flood susceptible,
respectively. Based on household survey, the findings showed that flood duration and flood
effects were strongly positively correlated (r=0.621 and p<0.000). Also, the computed Likert
scale score (α=0.864) revealed that flood affects the area to large extent. Concern management
strategies, utilization of change in planting date (95.91%), evacuation (87.27%), leveled house
basements (84.09%), loft preparation (15.45%), building bridges (12.27%), and sandbag uses
(8.64%) are common among households. To conclude, with proximity to the river, limited
drainage density, heavy rainfall, elevation, and slope, the area is flood susceptible and affected
to large extent. Though the utilized strategies were not in a position to avoid the effects
effectively, the future flood management activities of the District require further intervention in
formulating development strategies that fit the flood susceptibility level of the study area.
