Integrated Hydrological-Hydraulic Modeling for Flood Prevention in the Canche and Liane Watersheds

Abstract

Flooding poses significant risks to communities in wetlands and densely urbanized regions, necessitating robust prevention strategies. This study focuses on the Canche and Liane watersheds in the Hauts-de-France region (northern France), aiming to develop a comprehensive flood mitigation framework. We used an integrated methodology combining hydrological modeling (via HEC-HMS and its geospatial interface, GeoHECHMS) to simulate rainfall-runoff dynamics and hydraulic modeling (using HEC-RAS and GeoHECRAS) to analyze water flow and inundation patterns. Key outcomes include the identification of high-risk zones through detailed flood hazard mapping and the evaluation of proposed protective infrastructures, such as retention basins and channel modifications. The study underscores the effectiveness of coupling hydrological and hydraulic models to predict flood extents and optimize mitigation measures. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners to enhance resilience in vulnerable areas. Significance: The methodology and results offer a transferable framework for flood risk management in similar regions, emphasizing the role of advanced modeling tools like HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS in evidence-based decision-making.