Flood Hazard Mapping of the Yeltes River Basin for Planning of Natural Spaces “Los Batuecas-Sierra de Francia” and “Quilamas” and Their Area of Influence (Salamanca, Spain)

Abstract

This paper presents a flood risk assessment of the Yeltes river basin (SO Salamanca, Spain), where the flooding and river overflow processes can lead to loss of life and property. The risk is determined by GIS and remote sensing techniques, based on the hazard map computed by a cartographic procedure comprising historical, hydraulic and hydro-geomorphological methods. The geomorphological method implements precise hydraulic modelling to establish the variations in the geometry of the canal in times of flooding and the contour conditions in general, defining geomorphologically active areas. The flood risk maps take into account the exposure and vulnerability, identifying areas with different degrees of risk and the need for protective measures (mainly structural). The existence of structural measures for prevention and mitigation have been taken into account, as they validate these risk maps, which themselves are non-structural measures and tools for effective planning and management of natural spaces.