FLOOD EFFECTS, MAPPING AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN THE CASE OF SEBETA HAWAS DISTRICT, OROMIA SPECIAL ZONE SURROUNDING FINFINE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

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.