Abstract:
Flooding is the most common destructive natural event globally. The impact of flooding is
very severe in developing countries. As a developing country, Ethiopia is one of the victims
of flooding. Flooding occurs when a body of water rises to overflow land which normally
not submerged. This study was conducted with the main objective of assessing flood risk;
causes and socioeconomic impacts in the Hirna Town, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia
Regional State, Ethiopia. In order to meet the intended objectives, the study have been
used descriptive survey research methods employed both quantitative and qualitative
approaches and purposive sampling technique to select study area. The research employed
survey questionnaire, key informant interview, focus group discussion, field observation
and document reviews. The data obtained through questionnaire, key informant interview
and focus group discussion were analyzed using simple descriptive statistical methods
using Statistical Package for the social sciences software and the result was presented by
percentages, charts, and graphs. The finding of the study confirmed that the main causes
floods in Hirna town were the combined effects of human induced and natural causes.
Besides, lack of drainage system (31.4%), poor drainage lines (10.8%), heavy rain falls
(15.7%), topographic nature of town (19.8%), lack of vegetation (12.4%) and urbanization
(9.9%) including improper waste disposal along flood plains contributed for the
generation of floods. These driving factors have impacted on the losses of human life
(4.1%), displaced peoples by destroyed their houses (35.5%), household equipment loss
(25.6%), other social problems like induced water borne diseases (31.4%), and impacts on
teaching learning process (15.7%). In addition, flood destroyed different infrastructure
(29.8%), destroyed agricultural or garden (13.2%), and disturb economic activity (16.5%)
on the residents of the case site. Finally, based on the results the study recommends
appropriate strategies to bring flood resilience in the case site such as sustainable
drainage system, upgrading the building infrastructure or rehabilitation of the existing
drainage lines, relocation of households from floodplains, developing watershed
management proper disposal of refuse and enhancing the local coping strategy are
recommended solutions to the problem.
