Framework for geospatial flood exposure mapping of schools in Himalayan region for climate change adaptation and resilient school design

The study is a part of the ongoing research project which focuses on developing a framework for identifying flood exposure level among the schools in the Himalayan region with the case study of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji, Assam to facilitate flood resilient school design and climate change adaptation. Two distinct methodologies using spatial overlay, have been applied to identify exposure levels of schools in Subansari river basin, where flood events occur annually. In the study, flood conditioning parameters are applied to a large number of schools for the first time. The two methodologies employ seven parameters, namely distance from the stream, elevation, slope, TWI, clay content, groundwater table, and rainfall intensity. The distinction lies in the approaches to determine exposure level based on how the parameters are used in standard practice as per the literature review: parametrically and cumulatively. The findings of the two approaches are compared and recommendations are provided. The study indicates high value of parametric overlay analysis over the cumulative analysis since it identifies granular aspects of exposure and thus allows specific planning and design interventions in and around the schools. Hence,the study assists planners, architects, engineers and policy makers to develop relevant resilient, adaptive school design prototypes and policy in the region. The framework presented through the case study opens opportunity to enhance approaches adopted to reduce the flood risk among schools in the Himalayan region through adaptation, reducing vulnerability and improving capacity through GIS database creation for school going children.