Risk assessment of a dam-break using GIS technology

Flood disasters cause massive loss of human lives and immense damage to the infrastructure and economic activities, not only in Turkey but also all over the world. Governments consider several long-term and short-term precautions for flood control. The numerical simulation of dam-break problems could be accomplished with geographic information systems and innovation maps. Spread of the flood wave after a dam break can be predicted using these enabling technologies. This kind of advanced modelling technology is becoming an inevitable tool for the decision-making process. Data produced by GIS are used as initial values for FLDWAV. ArcView GIS has been used to produce a Digital Elevation Model and visualization of dam-break effects and propagation of a possible flood wave. Using GIS techniques and hydrologic modelling software, possible effects and damage of a dam-break flood have been investigated and results were simulated to show significant dam break effects on the region.