Expert System for Predicting Flash Flood due to Development in Urban Areas

Abstract

Flash flood due to development projects in urban areas has been a significant problem in the world. Although the duration of flooding is short, it is sufficient to cause adverse environmental impacts due to its high intensity. All the floods occurring anywhere were not natural occurrences but caused by the negligence of developers in the construction of drains, which could channel excess rainwater after the land had been developed. An expert system for predicting flash flood was established by using CLIPS (C Language Integrated Production System). The Modified Rational Method for runoff estimation in urban areas, and knowledge derived from environmental impact assessment(EIA) reports submitted to the Department of Environment, Malaysia were incorporated in the rulebases of expert system so that the expert system can predict the amount of flood that may occur in urban and vicinity areas. This expert system can be used as a tool in preparing EIA reports and EIA evaluations, therefore, the appropriate mitigation measures can be applied efficiently.