Intelligent Urban Flood Modeling: Harnessing AI for Climate Resilience, Risk Assessment, and Insurance Innovation

https://doi.org/10.46610/JoIDRP.2025.v010i02.004

Abstract

Urban flooding has become an increasingly serious issue for cities around the world, driven by rapid urban growth, changing weather patterns, and more frequent extreme rainfall events. Conventional flood prediction methods, such as hydrological and hydraulic models, often struggle to capture the complexity of urban environments and may not provide timely information for effective mitigation. Although artificial intelligence (AI) offers advanced capabilities for improving flood forecasting, current studies rarely integrate detailed urban infrastructure, climate projections, and socio-economic factors. Additionally, the practical applications of AI-based flood predictions, such as informing urban planning, guiding emergency response, and supporting insurance strategies, remain limited. This study presents a comprehensive AI-driven framework that addresses these gaps by delivering precise flood forecasts while assessing associated risks. By combining historical rainfall records, elevation data, land-use maps, and urban drainage system information, the framework can identify vulnerable areas, estimate potential impacts on communities and infrastructure, and assist decision-makers in allocating resources effectively. Furthermore, the framework provides practical insights for risk-based insurance, enabling more accurate premium setting, better claims management, and improved financial preparedness. The results demonstrate that integrating AI into urban flood management enhances predictive accuracy, strengthens city-wide resilience, and supports informed planning and policymaking. By linking advanced modeling with practical applications, this approach offers a holistic solution that helps cities mitigate flood risks, protect lives and property, and promote sustainable urban development.