Strategic Planning for Flood Risk Reduction Using GIS and SWOT Approaches, Case Study: Neka County, Mazandaran, Iran

Flood is one of the most devastating natural hazards that can lead to the loss of lives, properties and resources. In Neka, Mazandaran, Iran, human life losses and a significant amount of property damages were experienced in ۱۹۹۹ flood. It has therefore become important to rapidly check and analyze flood hazards and risk maps that will prioritize the mitigation effects in future. In this study, the risk reduction planning of Neka County against flood is studied using geographic information system (G.I.S) and SWOT analysis. The flood risk map which is employed in this study is based on ۸ causative flood factors, including; rainfall, soil erosion, soil permeability, land slope, path of flood density, vegetation, river density and distance to the main rivers. Finally, the risk map is illustrated by studying and analyzing the effect of these factors and integrating the results. Also, according to the maps and SWOT table, some strategies, policies and action plans are proposed.