Flood Risk and the Urban Environment

**67**

**Chapter 5**

**Abstract**

Saudi Arabia

**1. Introduction**

economic, health, and environmental effects.

Flood Risk and Vulnerability of

Coastal cities are often vulnerable and subject to the risks associated with floods, hence the need to sensitize decision-makers on the threats posed by climate hazards and uncontrolled urbanization. This study is part of this logic and aims to identify and map the flood zones of the city of Jeddah in order to reduce their vulnerability and to integrate them into the strategies of prevention and fight against the risks of flooding. The recent floods in 2009 and 2011 have caused heavy human and material losses that will permanently mark the collective memory of the inhabitants of the city. The multisource and diachronic data used as well as the methodology adopted made it possible to perform a multi-criteria spatial analysis by combining optical satellite imagery and radar DEM, topographic and geological maps, rainfall records, and available statistical data. Thus, risk factors have been identified and combined to understand and appreciate the gravity of recent disasters and provide planners and decision-makers with tools to assist in the effective and adequate management of the ever-changing urban space, in a context of climate change and increased anthropogenic pressure on coastal cities.

**Keywords:** naturals hazards, flooding, multisource data, urban extension, Jeddah,

Given the changing climate, rapid demographic growth, and significant urbanization, the risks of natural hazards have increased. Many regions of the world have seen devastating floods in recent years, as in the case of Saudi Arabia, which is part of the dry climate region. The city of Jeddah, located on the eastern coast of the Red Sea in the western region of the Kingdom, was hit by earthquakes in the southeast of the city, causing damage to life and property, which had social, psychological,

The urban explosion and the rapid growth of coastal cities mean that coastal cities are highly vulnerable to climatic hazards, which increase the risk of natural disasters [1]. In recent years, several regions of the world have experienced severe flood problems. This is the case of Saudi Arabia, a country characterized by arid climatic conditions, but which has, in recent years, faced severe flooding, particularly in the urban centers which are experiencing a strong expansion. Among these is the city of Jeddah, a cosmopolitan metropolis bordered by the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia's second largest city after the capital Riyadh in terms of population and economic development [2]. Its area was multiplied by 10 between 1972 and 2010. It is considered the door of the Muslims to the two holy places: Mecca and Medina. In 2009 and 2011, the city experienced floods (**Figure 1**) causing death and serious

Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

*Mohamed Daoudi and Abdoul Jelil Niang*
