INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Floods are generally brought on by excessive rainfall. These

catastrophes generally happen when heavy rain quickly elevates river water

levels (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction [UNDRR], 2020).

The Agusan river is one of the longest rivers in the Philippines, flows

through several provinces, and a critical waterway in the barangay libertad

bunawan agusan del sur providing not only a significant natural resource but

also serving as a crucial lifeline for agriculture, transportation, and livelihood

in the communities along its banks. It plays a vital role in the local

ecosystem and economy but has increasingly become a source of concern

due to its vulnerability to extreme weather events and poor channel

management. Over the years, the region has experienced increasing

incidents of flooding, which have led to significant socio-economic

disruptions, loss of agricultural productivity, and threats to community

safety. Factors such as climate change, deforestation, and unregulated land

use have aggravated these flooding events, highlighting the urgent need for

effective flood mitigation strategies

Given the importance of flood measures in safeguarding lives,

livelihoods, and the local economy, this study focuses on the engineering
interventions necessary to enhance the flood mitigation measures of the

Agusan River channel and protect adjacent communities and agricultural

areas.

Central to this investigation is an evaluation of the existing flood

protection infrastructure—specifically, the condition and capacity of slope

protection that have been constructed along the river. Although these

structures have played a vital role in flood management, many are aging,

inadequately designed, or have been compromise due to the prolonged

exposures of environmental impacts of natural hazard.

This research aims to evaluate the existing conditions of the Agusan

River

and identify specific structural enhancements that aimed at improving the

flood mitigation measures of the Agusan River channel in Barangay Libertad

and could significantly reduce the risk of flooding. In recent years, the

government and local organizations have recognized the urgent need for

effective flood mitigation strategies. Proper management of the river channel

through flood mitigation measures offers a promising approach to alleviating

the adverse impacts of flooding in Barangay Libertad. These intervention

structure may include dredging and detention basin to reduce flood

inundation.

In pursuing the objectives, the study will also engage with the

community stakeholders, including local farmers and residents, to gather

insights on the practical impacts of flooding and the existing flood control
measures. This participatory approach will help ensure that the proposed

interventions are appropriately tailored to meet the needs and expectations

of those most vulnerable to flooding.

Lastly, this study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge

surrounding flood mitigation measures in the Agusan River basin, providing a

framework for effective, sustainable interventions that enhance flood

resilience.

Through the combination of technical analysis and community

engagement, the research seeks to promote a safer, more stable

environment in Barangay Libertad, enabling the region to thrive despite the

significant inundation due to flood that was greatly affecting both community

and agricultural areas. This thesis aspires to provide a flood mitigation

measures for enhancing the flood resilience of Barangay Libertad. The

ultimate goal is to reduce the impact of flooding on communities- including

protecting lives, property, and the environment, implement effective

strategies to prevent or minimize severe damage caused by the floods and

to strengthen the capacity of people and local government to respond to

such disasters.
 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this study is to develop and evaluate structural flood mitigation
measures to reduce flood risks along the Agusan River in Barangay Libertad, Bunawan, Agusan
del Sur, through the use of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling tools. The study aims to;

1. To simulate the rainfall-runoff process in the Agusan River watershed using the
Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS).
2. To model river flow dynamics and floodplain inundation using the Hydrologic
Engineering Center-River Analysis System (HEC-RAS).
3. To calibrate and validate the hydrologic and hydraulic models using historical rainfall
and observed discharge data.
4. To simulate flood scenarios using a 50-year return period rainfall event to determine
potential flood extent and depth.
5. To assess the effectiveness of structural interventions, particularly dredging, in reducing
flood levels and affected areas.
6. To incorporate community feedback to ensure that proposed flood mitigation measures
address the needs and concerns of local residents.
 Significance of the Study

To the Local Government Unit (LGU)

The study empowers the LGUs of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, by

enhancing flood management capabilities through dredging and discharge

channel, safeguarding citizens' lives and properties. Additionally, through the

development of the existing structural flood mitigation measures in

Barangay Libertad, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, the LGUs can now provide

better assistance and protection to the citizens against the risks brought by

excessive flooding in the area.

To the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office

(MDRRM0)

The MDRRM0 gains valuable insights into implementing flood

mitigation measures strategies, strengthening disaster resilience, and

potentially serving as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

To the Citizens of the Community

Dredging and discharge channel will help to reduce the risk and

damage to one’s properties as these types of flood mitigation measures

assist to prevent the erosion of the properties that are built near the river.
To the Engineering Students

By engaging with this study, engineering students can gain insight into

the implementation of flood mitigation measures within their academic

curriculum, enriching their understanding of these critical topics.

To the Future Researchers

This study offers new knowledge and approaches by integrating HEC-

RAS and HEC-HMS modeling tools to analyze and simulate flood behavior

more accurately. The innovation lies in the combined use of hydrologic and

hydraulic modeling to assess flood risks and identify critical areas for

mitigation. This approach provides a more data-driven and science-based

method for planning flood control measures. Future researchers can build on

this method to improve early warning systems, enhance floodplain

management, and develop more effective, localized flood mitigation

strategies
 Scope and Limitations

The study will mainly focus on the evaluation and development of structural flood
mitigation measures along the Agusan River in Barangay Libertad, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. It
involves hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to simulate flood behavior and assess the
effectiveness of potential interventions, such as dredging and detention basins.

The study utilizes the Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-
HMS) to simulate rainfall-runoff processes and the River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) for river
flow and floodplain modeling. The research includes calibration of the model using observed
discharge data and simulates flood scenarios using a 50-year return period rainfall event to
evaluate the potential impact of various flood mitigation measures.

In addition to the technical analysis, the study incorporates feedback from local community
stakeholders—particularly farmers and residents of Barangay Libertad—to assess the socio-
economic impacts of flooding and the perceived effectiveness of current flood control
infrastructure.

Limitations

1. Geographical Limitation: The study is confined to Barangay Libertad, Bunawan, and

does not cover other sections of the Agusan River or surrounding barangays that may also
be affected by flooding.
2. Temporal Limitation: The rainfall and discharge data used for model calibration and
validation are limited to available historical records. As such, any gaps or inaccuracies in
these records could affect the accuracy of the simulation results.
3. Data Availability: The analysis depends on the availability and quality of topographic,
hydrologic, and hydraulic data. Limited access to high-resolution and up-to-date datasets
may constrain the precision of flood modeling.
4. Focus on Structural Measures: The study primarily examines structural interventions
(e.g., dredging, slope protection) and does not deeply investigate non-structural measures
such as early warning systems, policy enforcement, or land-use planning.
5. Simulation-Based Results: The findings and recommendations are based on computer
simulations, which involve assumptions and simplifications of real-world conditions.
Thus, while the models are useful for planning, they may not fully capture the complexity
of natural flood behavior.
6. Stakeholder Input: While the study includes community engagement, the scope of
stakeholder consultation may be limited by time and resource constraints, possibly
affecting the comprehensiveness of the socio-economic assessment.
 Time and Place of the Study

The study was conducted from January to May. During this period, data collection,
stakeholder consultations, field observations, and hydrologic and hydraulic modeling were
carried out. The schedule included phases for literature review, data gathering, model
development and calibration, scenario simulation, and analysis of results. This research was
conducted in Barangay Libertad, Municipality of Bunawan, Province of Agusan del Sur,
Philippines. The area was selected due to its location along the Agusan River, which is prone to
frequent flooding, significantly affecting the lives, properties, and livelihoods of the local
population.
 Conceptual Framework

INPUT OUTPUT
PROCESS
 Rainfall Data  Flood Inundation
 Topographic and  Hydrologic Maps
River Geometry Modeling using  Assessment of
Data HEC-HMS Current Flood
 Land Use and Soil  Hydraulic Protection
Data Modeling using Structures
 Observed River HEC-RAS  Recommendations
Discharge Data  Model for Structural
 Community Calibration Mitigation
Feedback and  Flood Scenario Measures
Observations Simulation  Proposed Flood
 Structural Management Plan
Intervention Tailored to Local
Assessment Needs
 Community  Improved Flood
Engagement Resilience in
Barangay Libertad

The conceptual framework of this study is structured to guide the development of effective flood
mitigation measures for Barangay Libertad, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur by integrating technical
modeling with community-based insights. It begins with the input phase, where various types of
data are collected, including historical rainfall records, topographic and river geometry
information, land use and soil characteristics, and observed river discharge data. These inputs are
essential for simulating hydrologic and hydraulic conditions in the study area. Additionally,
insights from the local community are gathered to understand the real-world impacts of flooding
and evaluate the performance of existing flood control structures.

Using the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), the
rainfall-runoff relationship is simulated to estimate the volume of water generated during storm
events. This is followed by hydraulic modeling using HEC-RAS to analyze how this water flows
through the Agusan River and its surrounding areas. The models are calibrated using observed
discharge data to improve accuracy. The study then simulates flood scenarios using a 50-year
return period rainfall event to assess the extent and severity of potential inundation. Structural
mitigation options, such as dredging and the construction of detention basins, are evaluated for
their effectiveness in reducing flood risk.

Community engagement plays a vital role throughout the process, ensuring that the technical
recommendations are informed by local experiences and needs. The outputs of the study include
flood hazard maps, assessments of existing infrastructure, and a set of recommended flood
mitigation measures tailored to the conditions in Barangay Libertad. Ultimately, this framework
aims to enhance flood resilience by providing scientifically grounded and community-informed
strategies that reduce the risks posed by severe flooding events.
 Definition of Terms

Concrete Riprap - a large, interlocking concrete blocks or chunks that

are placed along shorelines, riverbanks, bridge foundations, and other

structures to prevent erosion caused by water or ice. It acts as a

protective barrier that absorbs and deflects the energy of flowing water.

Flood Mitigation – involves the implementation of strategies and

structures designed to reduce the consequences of flooding in

property, infrastructure, and human life.

HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System) –

a software developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that

models the flow of water in natural rivers and artificial channels used

to simulate flood scenarios and evaluate flood control measures.

Detention Basin – an artificial depression or reservoir designed to

temporarily hold and retard excess stormwater or floodwater runoff

and decreases flood risks downstream.

Return Period – an estimated frequency of occurrence of a given flood

event, usually expressed in years 50-year return periods statistical

probability of such an event occurring in a given year.

Flood Depth – It is used to describe the height of the flood inundation from

the ground surface to the maximum water surface level during

inundation, which may also help assess the magnitude and impact of

flooding.

Flood Extent – The geographical area inundated by floodwaters during

flood events; often also mapped to assess the extent of a flood’s

impact on communities and infrastructures.

Agusan River – It is one of the big rivers in Mindanao, Philippines, which

is vulnerable to flooding and caused by heavy rainfall and typhoon

activity which directly impacted communities like Barangay

Libertad.

Barangay Libertad, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur – the flood-prone

municipality along Agusan River which is also the main interest area

of flood mitigation schemes of this study.

Hydrological Data – an information regarding the features and movement

of water into the environment-such as rainfall, river flow volumes, and

flood history-is vital for a flood risk analysis.

Topographical Data – a detailed information about the physical terrain

features and land surface elevation have significance in flood

modeling and associated structural designs.

Structural Measures – various constructions like flood walls or detention

basins that either control or manage floodwaters to protect people,

properties, and other infrastructures.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Flood

Floods are major natural disasters that expose the population, the

infrastructure, and the resources. Heavy rainfall, snow melt, insufficient

drainage systems, water overflowing from the main channels, and

urbanization's change of the natural plants and land can contribute to them

all (Ahmed, et al., 2020). One of the most common natural extreme events

that results in loss of life and property is flooding. They can occur as either

regular floods or flash floods, and both hydrological and meteorological

conditions can affect when they do. Flood losses are often exacerbated by

settlements in flood- prone locations (Şen, 2017).

Floods are divided into two main categories. First, is to base on the

location or place of occurrence and second is based on the duration of

occurrence. River floods are categorized as floods based on the location or

place of occurrence. River floods occurs when the large amounts of rainfall in

river systems with tributaries drain large areas that contain many

independent river basins that inundate the adjacent of low-lying areas. These

floods may last a few hours or many days depending on the intensity and

amount of the distribution of rainfall (Calangga et al., 2020).

 Figure 2 Floods

Source: (Davies, 2022)

Causes of floods

Flooding are caused by various factors such as heavy rainfall, rise in

temperature, dew point, pressure, humidity level, wind speed, and events

that cause precipitation to inundate dry land (Javadinejad, 2022). In some

cases, floods can be caused by the failure of dams, ice jams, landslides, high

tides, high lake levels, or waves driven ashore by strong winds (Doswell,

2015).

Heavy rainfalls can cause floods and flash floods. Due to heavy

rainfall, floods and flashfloods may occur especially when it surpasses a

certain threshold, especially in areas vulnerable to hydrological risks

(Nouaceur, et al., 2022). In South China, intense rainfall in the early summer

generates devastating floods; inland areas experience frontal heavy rains

while coastal areas experience warm-sector heavy rain. For operational

forecasting and disaster prevention, it is essential to understand how heavy

rains arise and form (Wu, et al., 2020).

High levels of damage can result from catastrophic floods that are

brought on by anomalous but recurrent patterns in atmospheric circulation

or breaches in flood defenses (Merz, et al., 2021).

Compared to catastrophic floods, non-disastrous floods have various

causes. Historical patterns indicate that growing economies and populations

have amplified the effects of floods on the economy. Devastating river floods

are predicted to occur more frequently due to the changes in climate and

socioeconomic conditions, especially in Asia and Africa.

Floods in the Philippines

A large portion of the nation is susceptible to coastal flooding due to

rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions. Residents and officials in

the Philippines' flood-prone coastal regions expressed major dangers to their

economy, health, and safety.

In 2016, both study's locations struggled with frequent minor to

moderate floods as well as sporadic severe flooding. Recent infrastructure

upgrades, according to Williams, et al. (2020), have decreased the risk of

normal flooding in one area, but there is still a sizable risk from large storms

in both locations.

Elevation of the roads construction of a well-designed drainage

structures leading to creeks can help mitigate the surface flood problems in

Metro Manila (Lagmay, et al., 2017). Typhoon-induced flash floods have also

resulted in significant destruction and fatalities in the past, emphasizing the

necessity of comprehensive disaster risk management and resilience-

building strategies (Alders, 2017).

According to the study of Williams, et al. (2020), it is anticipated

that over this century, several municipalities around the Manila Bay shore,

including the chosen locations of Hagonoy, Bulacan, Malabon, and Metro

Manila, will see significant sea level rise because of their coastal proximity.

Local hazard maps clearly show the types of flood risk coastal locations along

the Manila Bay confront, including the municipalities in Bulacan and Metro

Manila. In 2016, Bulacan and Metro Manila were prone to periodic

catastrophic flooding in addition to frequent mild to moderate flooding.

 Figure 3: Flood in Metro Manila

Source: (Flores, 2020)

Floods in Bunawan Agusan River

There are many areas that are susceptible to flooding caused by the

Agusan River. The barangays are susceptible on three different levels:

moderate to low, high, and very high. One metre and above floods are

described in the section on high and very high floods. The Mines and

Geoscience Bureau (2015), states that there are 10 barangays that have an

extremely high susceptibility.

Table 1. Flooding and Flash Flood Hazard in Bunawan Agusan del Sur
 Map Information Hazard Description
Hazar Speed Likelihood
Format Susceptibilit Flood
d Source Scale on of
/ Date y Depth
Onset Occurrence
Flood Mines 1:10,000 JPG/ Very High 1 Sudden Floods of B
Geoscienc 2015 meter short 
e Bureau and duration 
above with 
relatively 
small area is 
known as 
flashflood. 
Potential 
flashflood 
exit points 
are areas 
where flash
flooding is
expected. 








 Map Information Hazard Description
Hazar Speed Likelihood
Format Susceptibilit Flood
d Source Scale on of
/ Date y Depth
Onset Occurrence
Flood Mines 1:10,000 JPG/ High 0.5 to sudden Floods B
Geoscienc 2015 1 triggered by
e Bureau meter an hour or
more Heavy
Rainfall
during
Habagat
Season.
Recurrence
is expected
yearly.

Moderate to Less Sudden Floods may B

Low than be triggered
0.5 by an hour
meter or more
moderate to
heavy
rainfall
during
Habagat and
Amihan
seasons,
Reoccurrenc
e is
expected
yearly at
most.
 Flooding in Barangay Libertad Bunawan Agusan Del Sur.

Barangay Libertad Bunawan is among the 10 barangays listed on the

Municipality of Bunawan Flooding and Flash Flood Hazard Map with a high

and very high susceptibility. Heavy rains and shearline, which brought with it

a south-west monsoon, struck the barangay on January 17, 2024, marking

that flood overflow from the existing concrete riprap in the Barangay

Libertad. It was the moment when the neighborhoods and streets were

submerged under water. Additionally, even though there is a riprap barrier

situated along the Agusan River at Barangay Libertad Bunawan the flood

nevertheless occurred. Although there are times that there have been heavy

rains and low pressure in January 2024, barangay residents should

nonetheless be on guard due to the fact that the flood could possibly occur

again.
 Figure 5: Agusan Del Sur Flooding and Flash Flood Hazard Map

Flood simulation using HEC-RAS

Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System is known as

HEC-RAS. This software program is used to simulate and model flooding,

especially in areas with a high risk of flooding. Professionals and authorities

can compute discharge, depth, magnitude, and river statistics, among other

flood-related characteristics, with the use of this software. It is frequently

used to evaluate the danger of flooding and control its impacts. HEC-RAS has

been used in studies, such as the 1D hydrodynamic floods modeling of the

Purna River, to forecast the effects of floods on populated regions. In places

threatened by flooding, the program facilitates the delineation of risk areas

and the identification of sensitive zones. HEC-RAS can also be used to create

emergency response plans for areas impacted by flooding (Khan, et al.,

2023).

River overflow

River overflow refers to the situation when the water level in a river

exceeds its normal capacity, leading to the water spilling over the riverbanks

and causing potential flooding (Hutauruk, et al., 2023).

Factors affecting river overflow

Heavy rain, light rain that lasts long enough, or huge overflows

carried upstream can all cause rivers to flood. Flooding along the watershed

is caused by overflow that exceeds the river's capacity (Hutauruk, et al.,

2023).
 Impacts of river overflow

River overflow can cause fatalities, displacement, and economic

loss. The disastrous floods have caused millions of the fatalities in the

twentieth century and tens of billions of dollars are the direct economic loss

each year. According to the study of Merz, et al. (2021), the number of the

fatalities and people affected by the river floods has decreased since the

mid-1990s due to the risk reduction measures, such as to improve the risk

awareness and structural flood defenses. River floods cause a direct and

indirect consequences for society, affecting infrastructure, agriculture, and

public health.

Flooding caused by river overflow can lead to an increased

probability of diseases in urban areas, as observed in the case of Cagayan de

Oro, a highly urbanized city in the Philippines (Yonson, 2018). Diseases

brought on by flooding not only cost the government a lot of resources, but

they also put a strain on the finances of impacted households, especially the

less fortunate ones.

Flooding caused by river overflow might occur frequently, which can

have a big effect on the continuity of education in the affected areas.

Compared to large-scale floods, small-scale floods brought on by river

overflow may have equally significant, if not more, effects on school

communities, which include students, staff, and teachers (Cadag, et al.,

2017). Both large and small scale floods brought by river overflow should be

considered in meaningful policies and measures to lower catastrophe of the

risk and address worldwide problems in the education sector.

Related Studies

Floods pose recurrent threats to villages situated near the floodplains

of the Khazir River, leading to agricultural losses and endangering residential

communities. An investigation by AL-Hussein, et al. (2022) into this issue

involved the utilization of hydrological software tools, notably WMS and HEC-

HMS, to explore strategies for mitigating flood recurrence. These software

applications facilitated the calculation of hydrographs depicting intense river

flow within the basin and estimation of torrential water volume and surface

flow rates. Rainfall depths were assessed using the SCS Unit Hydrograph

method for various return periods spanning 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 years.

The analysis revealed that flood volumes within the river's drainage basin

ranged from 29,680 to 2,229,200 cubic meters, with maximum flow rates

fluctuating between 10.4 and 66.4 cubic meters per second across different

reference periods. To comprehensively analyze and model flood risks along

the Khazir River, they integrated the HEC-RAS model with the HEC-GeoRAS

extension in ArcGIS. The investigation focused on flood events during two

distinct periods, 2013 and 2018, leveraging digital elevation models and

river discharge data. Through classification mapping of flood depths, they

identified varying degrees of flood risk, encompassing low to very low risk

(80.31%), medium risk (16.03%), and high to very high risk (3.8%). Analysis

of the findings underscored that villages nearest to the river's mouth bore

the brunt of flooding compared to those situated downstream. The combined

use of HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS demonstrated their efficacy in accurately

assessing flood hazards and facilitating informed decision-making processes.

Numerous major cities in China have been established and expanded

alongside rivers, necessitating flood prevention walls on both riverbanks to

safeguard against flooding. To ensure structural integrity, fulfill daily

management requirements, and coordinate engineering endeavors along the

riverbanks, it becomes imperative to establish a rational protection zone for

these flood prevention barriers. A paper, using the Suzhou River in Shanghai

as a case study, examines the impacts of stacking loads and foundation pit

excavations on flood prevention wall safety, the spatial requirements for

maintenance and refurbishment of these structures, and the effects of pile

foundation construction on nearby buildings. It is recommended that the

protection zone for the Suzhou River flood prevention wall should not be less

than 15 meters. This research serves as a valuable reference for delineating

the protection zones of flood prevention walls in analogous urban settings

(Si, et. al., 2021).

In the research of Desalegn Hunegnaw and Mulu Arega (2021), floods

result from climate change, land degradation, and fast population expansion,

and they represent a risk to people and property. Paying close attention to
flood risk mitigation techniques may help alleviate the problem.

Consequently, this research utilizes GIS and HEC-RAS to map flood zones

along the Fetam River. When a stream's flow exceeds the river's flood level,

flood mapping determines the most susceptible areas to flooding. The

researchers produce maps depicting the anticipated flood zones for different

releases using historical data on river embankments, previous flood releases,

and topographical data. The HEC-RAS model shows the flood-prone regions

of the Fetam River, HEC-GeoRAS for the interface, and GIS for spatial data

management. These devastating floods wreaked havoc on the villages

around the Fetam River, jeopardizing social and economic growth resulting in

property and death. Along the river's banks are densely populated areas and

agricultural fields, making them especially susceptible to flooding. For all

return dates, the flooded areas of Abaya Kalo, Achigi, and Denbun kebeles

were exceptionally high. The flooded areas on the Fetam River's banks are

27.31, 24.85, 20.47, 17.34, and 13.78 km2 for return durations of 100, 50,

25, 10, and 5 years, respectively. According to this research, the floodplain

of the Fetam River's upper and middle parts is often higher than that of the

lower sections.

Cheng, et al. (2021), in their study, described rainfall as a cause of

flood discharge and a huge element of a flood recession process at various

time scales. The rainfall event that exceeds typical may cause a rapid

increase in daily river flow (and water level). It is a significant factor affecting

the monthly flooding recession process. Rainfall and geographical conditions

significantly influence flood regression processes, which is a significant

source of concern for flood mitigation and water usage management in an

area. The researchers attempted to measure the influence of precipitation

and the surrounding terrain on flood regression procedures using a study in

China's upper Huaihe Floodplain Area. Rainfall intensity and runoff coefficient

data are examined from 8 watersheds in the Huaihe Floodplain Areas' high

alpine between 2006 and 2015, a region with little human impact. The

underlying surface variables are from a 250-meter-resolution Digital

Elevation Model (DEM) dataset. The Kendall tau and Spearman are used as

statistical correlation tests to investigate the relationship between flood

recession processes, rainfall, and the underlying surface layer.