A comprehensive review of flood damage in mountainous regions: challenges, solutions, and advanced management technologies
Mohammad Roohi, Jila Dehghani, Maryam Irani, Paramiss Mina
Abstract
In this review, flood damage in mountainous areas-defined as regions with significant elevation changes, steep slopes, and complex topography—is examined, along with the effects of climate change, case studies, and innovative solutions such as nature-based approaches and advanced technologies. The goal of the study is to present a thorough examination of the difficulties, causes, and effects of flooding in these particular areas. The results show that floods in mountainous regions have become more frequent and intense due to climate change, with earlier snowmelt and altered precipitation patterns leading to shifts in the timing of flood events. These changes underscore the urgent need for innovative damage mitigation strategies. This work employs techniques such as LiDAR for precise topographic models, integrating remote sensing with hydrological/hydraulic models, and analyzing satellite imagery to study flood patterns and land cover changes. Furthermore, a precise and useful understanding of the effects of floods in these areas has been made possible by the use of machine learning algorithms to forecast flood episodes and evaluate damage, in conjunction with field research and community participation, such as citizen science initiatives for data collection and local knowledge integration. The results of the study show that flood planning and control can be greatly enhanced by fusing advanced technologies such as LiDAR, remote sensing, and machine learning with local expertise. Modern technologies, early warning systems, predictive models, and international collaboration are key to reducing flood losses and informing sustainable flood management.