Modeling Flood Vulnerabilities and Estimating Potential Economic and Social Losses: Assessing the Level of Community Flood Readiness and Preparedness in Newark, NJ

Flooding is a destructive natural hazard that causes significant economic and social impacts. Newark, a city located near the Passaic River in New Jersey (NJ), has a history of flooding and a high risk of future floods due to its location near rivers. However, there is limited research that was conducted to perform a comprehensive flood risk analysis in Newark. Hence, this paper fills this gap. First, the study region and different flood hazard scenarios (10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year return periods) were defined. Second, the flood depth grids were generated using H&H modeling. Third, the potential losses from flooding in terms of both economic and social impacts were estimated and quantified. The results provided insights into the most vulnerable areas to flooding in Newark. The findings also recommended potential mitigation measures that need to be implemented to reduce future economic and social damages and losses. This study adds to the body of knowledge by providing valuable insights for disaster management professionals and community leaders in developing effective flood risk management plans and making informed decisions on mitigation investments. Moreover, this study helps to increase the resilience of Newark to potential future flooding events.