Evaluating Flood Damages using Land Cover Changes Detection

Abstract. This study presents a monitoring and analysis of land cover changes in exact parts of the Karlovo Region, Bulgaria, with a focus on the catastrophic flood event of September 2022, which displaced hundreds of residents. Recognizing the increasing frequency of climate change-induced disasters such as floods, fires, and droughts — often exacerbated by anthropogenic activities — the research investigates the relationship between land cover dynamics and disaster vulnerability. The methodology integrates Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 optical satellite imagery with open-access data from Bulgarian institutions, processed using open-source software platforms. Flooded areas and shifts in land use were mapped using computed optical indices and SAR backscatter change detection. Special emphasis is placed on the challenges of accurately identifying heavily damaged zones due to landscape alterations post-disaster. The research team focuses on the consequences on the arable land nearby the settlements Bogdan and Karavelovo part of Municipality of Karlovo. The study proposes a technological monitoring scheme for decision-makers, aiming to enhance land change tracking and improve disaster risk prediction. Overall, this research underlines the critical role of satellite data in supporting effective disaster management and mitigation strategies.