356 - Flood Extent Mapping in Sindh, Pakistan Through the Fusion of Optical and SAR Data

The province of Sindh in Pakistan experienced severe flooding in 2022, impacting local communities and ecosystems. Understanding the spatial extent of floods is critical for managing disaster and recovery. This study presents a novel approach for flood extent mapping, utilizing a fusion of optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, leveraged to increase the reliability of flood delineation, providing a more robust approach for decision-makers considering the 2022 flood event in Pakistan. This study conducted a multi-temporal analysis using high-resolution optical and SAR imagery for a detailed flood assessment. The integration of optical data with SAR data facilitated the extraction of rich information regarding land cover and hydrological conditions even under cloudy weather. The data fusion approach exploited the complementary strengths of both data types, paving the way for a methodology that promises improved flood management. The results of this study indicated significant improvement in flood delineation, offering a viable route for future disaster management strategies. Providing a more detailed and accurate representation of flood extents, this research aids in the formulation of more informed and timely response strategies, mitigating the adverse impacts of the 2022 floods in Sindh, Pakistan. This paper integrates optical and SAR data to foster advances in flood monitoring and management for a more resilient future.