The Hazus Flood Loss Estimation Model for Characterizing Coastal Flood Hazards and Determining Losses

HAZUS is a major initiative by FEMA for estimating natural hazards losses to population, buildings, infrastructure, agricultural areas and vehicles. For use by local officials and the private sector, the Flood portion of HAZUS (both riverine and coastal) is being given the highest priority, with the Flood Information Tool (FIT) to be released in early 2002, followed by the release of the full flood loss estimation model about a year later. The methodology uses national datasets to characterize flooding and estimate losses and has the capability to accept site-specific local data for more refined analyses. The coastal flooding methodology employs two alternative methods, including a simplified WHAFIS/RUNUP analysis, that have been developed to be consistent with standard methodologies while facilitating their use by a broad group of users.