HAZUS-MH Flood Loss Estimation Methodology. I: Overview and Flood Hazard Characterization

TLDR

The HAZUS‑MH Flood Model offers comprehensive riverine and coastal flood hazard characterization, supported by the Flood Information Tool for rapid analysis of stream discharge and topography, and a library of over 900 damage curves for various structures. This paper aims to describe the HAZUS‑MH Flood Model’s flood hazard characterization and its damage and loss estimation capabilities. The model derives shelter requirements and direct and indirect economic losses from estimated property damage. The model enables analyses of flood‑warning benefits, levee effectiveness, structural elevation impacts, and flood‑mapping studies.

Abstract

Part I of this two-part paper provides an overview of the HAZUS-MH Flood Model and a discussion of its capabilities for characterizing riverine and coastal flooding hazard. Included is a discussion of the Flood Information Tool, which permits rapid analysis of a wide variety of stream discharge data and topographic mapping to determine flood-frequencies over entire floodplains. Part II reports on the damage and loss estimation capability of the Flood Model, which includes a library of more than 900 damage curves for use in estimating damage to various types of buildings and infrastructure. Based on estimated property damage, the model estimates shelter needs and direct and indirect economic losses arising from floods. Analyses for the benefits of flood warning, levees, structural elevation, and flood mapping restudies are examples of analyses that can be performed with the Flood Model.