(Figure 1 : Source from newspaper of flood in Hulu Terengganu)
Flooding is one of Malaysia's most common and destructive natural disasters, especially during the Northeast Monsoon season from November to March. Floods occurred by three factors which are local severe rain, rising water levels, and waves from southern China (Tekolla, 2010). In addition, land-use change influences the frequency of floods. The transformation in land use increases the rate of runoff into the drainage system, resulting in flood events.
In this case, the flood risk in Hulu Terengganu is determined by a combination of natural variables like terrain, geology, soil type, and land cover, as well as human activities such as deforestation, land-use changes, and growing populations. Increasing water levels and discharge in river drainage causes water to flow out, lowering the surrounding valley water. Despite its repeated occurrence, flood research in Hulu Terengganu has been remarkably limited.
This research focuses on identifying flood-prone areas and analyzing the geological and geomorphological factors that influence flood risks in Hulu Terengganu. Using tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and analysis of historical flood data, this study aims to provide valuable insights for better flood risk management, community resilience, and land-use planning in the region.
To identify and map flood-prone locations in Hulu Terengganu using GIS and historical flood data.
To determine the geoscientific elements that contribute to flood risk (such as topography, soil permeability, geology, and drainage).
To find new potential evacuation areas using DEM data and GIS.
One significant gap in flood management efforts is the insufficient implementation of geoscientific data, such as topography, soil properties, geological formations, and drainage patterns into flood risk assessments.
Without a thorough understanding of the geoscientific elements that lead to flooding, future flood events in Hulu Terengganu are likely to be more severe, frequent, and devastating. Evaluating and mapping flood hazards using geoscience is crucial for successful risk management and sustainable land-use planning.
Study Area : Hulu Terengganu District, Terengganu
Focus : Geological and geomorphological influences on flood hazards
Time Frame : Recent 5 - 11 years flood data
Hulu Terengganu, located in the interior of Terengganu province, situated at geographical coordinates of 5.0730° N, 103.0089° E, is particularly prone to seasonal floods due to its geographical location, river networks (such as the Terengganu River), and significant rainfall patterns. Flooding in Hulu Terengganu has become more severe in recent years, wreaking havoc on infrastructure, crops, and local residents.
Figure 2 : Map of Hulu Terengganu region)