Evaluating the impact of flow variations on the inundated areas around the Nile River in Egypt using 2D hydraulic modeling
摘要
The Nile River is a vital water resource for its surrounding regions, particularly Egypt. It provides most water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower generation. Yet, high discharges passing through the Nile can lead to its flooding, causing severe damage to infrastructure and loss of lives and property. This study investigates the impact of different discharges on the Nile River and its surrounding areas, focusing on the second reach of the Nile, from Esna Barrage to Naga Hammadi Barrage. The two-dimensional numerical model (SMS-SRH-2D) is used to simulate various discharge scenarios, calculate the water depths and velocities, and determine the inundated areas and their percentages. Digital inundation maps are created to visualize the flood-prone zones, facilitating the development of an integrated warning system that enhances emergency preparedness and response. Additionally, determining the average and maximum inundated widths of the riverbanks helps in flood risk assessment and offers essential data for identifying safe evacuation distances during flood events. The results show that the islands have the largest inundated area. Moreover, the west bank has a larger percentage of inundated areas compared to the east. For example, the average inundated width at 350 Mm3/day reached 5.23 m on the east bank and 7.41 m on the west. The findings demonstrate a strong relationship between the discharge and inundated areas, providing valuable insights for decision makers to improve flood risk management. This highlights the importance of integrating advanced numerical modeling with digital mapping tools to support proactive planning and enhance the resilience of communities against risks.