Geospatial Analysis of Effects of Flooding in Gasabo District; A Case of Bumbogo Sector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2477Abstract
This study conducted a geospatial analysis of flooding effects in Bumbogo Sector, Gasabo District, using data from a sample of 99 respondents selected from a population of 7,066 individuals aged 21 and above through both probability and non-probability sampling. Data were gathered through GIS, remote sensing, and surveys and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. In mapping flood-prone areas, findings revealed that key contributors to flooding include rainfall (mean = 3.33), topography/elevation (3.24), land/soil cover (3.36), proximity to water bodies (3.33), and human activities (3.12). The study highlighted that intense rainfall, steep slopes, and unregulated urbanization significantly heighten flood risks, emphasizing the critical role of geospatial tools in continuous flood risk assessment. When evaluating environmental effects, respondents strongly agreed that flooding leads to pollution (mean = 3.06), soil erosion (3.07), habitat destruction (3.09), landslides (3.11), and biodiversity loss (3.07). Economically, property damage (3.98), infrastructure destruction (3.96), crop losses (3.11), and livestock losses (3.94) were major concerns. Human and social impacts included loss of life (3.54), health risks (3.44), disruption of education (3.53), and displacement or homelessness (3.44). Statistical analysis revealed a strong and significant relationship between causes and flood effects. The Pearson correlation coefficient between causes and environmental effects was 0.715 (p < 0.01), suggesting a significant positive relationship. For economic effects, the coefficient was 0.883 (p < 0.01), indicating a very strong correlation. The relationship between causes and human/social effects also showed a strong positive correlation at 0.704 (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that increases in the underlying flood causes result in proportional increases in environmental, economic, and social impacts. Spatial elements such as topography and land use further mediate these effects. The study confirms existing literature and calls for targeted, location-specific flood mitigation strategies. It recommends the use of geospatial analysis in planning and proactive risk management in flood-prone zones like Bumbogo Sector.
Keywords: Geospatial Analysis, Flooding, Flood Prone Area
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