Simulation-based modeling of urban waterlogging in Khulna City

Abstract

Khulna City is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The city experiences frequent waterlogging during extreme rainfall events. This research prepared a drainage simulation model considering climate change issues for investigating the extent of waterlogging in the city. Watershed and precipitation were analyzed to examine the existing scenario of the study area. Finally, a Mike Urban-based hydrological simulation model was formulated to investigate the severity of waterlogging. As found by precipitation analysis, 180 mm, 346 mm, and 396 mm rainfall might occur for the 5-year, 50-year, and 100-year return period, respectively. This research identified that volume of overland flow might be affected by climate change-induced rainfall. According to the simulation, 62.52% of the study area was waterlogged with different inundation depths. It was found that traffic movements were severely disrupted and structures were hampered due to waterlogging. 45% paved, 77% brick soling, and 65% unpaved roads were inundated by different inundation levels. On the other hand, 61.1% of structures of the study area were affected by waterlogging. The findings of the research might help the concerned authority in decision-making, especially for the drainage and water-related issues, to solve the waterlogging.