This map illustrates the spatial distribution of flood hazard across Lashio Town, Northern Shan State, Myanmar, highlighting areas with different levels of flood hazard. The results provide useful information to support flood preparedness, land-use planning, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable urban development. Lashio is located within a mountainous region and has basin-like topographic characteristics, where runoff from surrounding higher-elevation areas can flow toward lower-lying urban areas. During intense rainfall events, this terrain configuration may increase the potential for rapid runoff accumulation and flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, drainage pathways, valleys, and locations where water naturally converges.
The flood hazard assessment was conducted using Google Earth Engine (GEE) and a weighted analysis of key environmental factors. Permanent water bodies were excluded to focus on land-based flood hazards. The analysis considered elevation (35%), rainfall intensity (20%), slope (20%), land cover (20%), and distance to rivers (5%). Due to Lashio’s mountainous setting and basin-like topography, flash flood hazard should be given particular attention, especially during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall. Areas classified as High and Very High Flood Hazard Zones may require greater consideration for flood preparedness, drainage improvement, land-use planning, and disaster risk reduction.
Disclaimer: This satellite-derived assessment provides a preliminary overview of flood hazard and population exposure. The results are intended to support spatial planning, disaster risk reduction, and early decision-making and should not be considered a substitute for detailed field-based flood risk assessment. Local rainfall data, drainage information, field observations, historical flood records, and hydrological studies should be incorporated for more detailed and site-specific analysis, particularly for assessing flash flood risk.
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