Two-Dimensional Modeling Of A Hypothetical Failure Of Al-Hwiz Dam And Flood Inundation Mapping

Abstract

The Al-Hwiz earthfill dam is located on the Barghol River, approximately 40 km southeast of the city of Latakia and around 2–2.5 km northwest of the Sakhaba Dam, within the Latakia Governorate. This study aims to assess the potential for a hypothetical failure of the Al-Hwiz Dam using two-dimensional modeling with the aid of HEC-RAS and GIS software. The modeling was conducted for two failure scenarios: overtopping and piping. The results varied between the two scenarios in terms of inundation area, peak flood wave volume, and the time required for the flood wave to reach designated cross-sections located 2,000 m and 7,000 m downstream of the dam within the study area. The inundated area was estimated at approximately 726 hectares, while the peak flood wave discharge was 2,282 m³/s, occurring 6 hours and 25 minutes after the onset of failure. Based on these findings, we recommend the development of comprehensive and effective emergency and evacuation plans to serve as references for the relevant authorities in the event of similar disasters.