Risk and vulnerability assessment for flood events in Burgay river in Azogues, Ecuador

This study evaluated the flood risk along the banks of the Burgay River in the city of Azogues using hydraulic modelling with HEC-RAS. Flood scenarios for 10-, 50-, and 100-year return periods were simulated, accounting for local topography, estimat-ed precipitation, and associated peak discharges. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) sourced from the SIG Tierras platform was employed for watershed delineation and geomorphological characterization. Model calibration based on comparison with recorded stream gauging data reduced the error in the Manning’s roughness coefficient to 3 %, thereby improving prediction accuracy. The results showed a substantial expansion of vulnerable zones as the return period increased, underscoring the need for mitigation measures such as levee construction, implementation of drainage systems, and deployment of an early warning system. This study confirms HEC-RAS utility as a tool for planning flood-control strategies and protecting urban areas exposed to flood risk.