A Methodological Approach For Flood-Resilient Urban Areas: ''Flood Vulnerability Index'' : The Case Of Çarşamba, Samsun"

This thesis aims to evaluate the impacts of flood and inundation disasters—among the most significant consequences of climate change—on urban areas within the framework of urban resilience and to quantitatively measure these impacts. The concept of resilient cities is examined both theoretically and practically, incorporating components such as urban vulnerability, infrastructure robustness, social inequality, and governance. In this context, an original method called the Flood Vulnerability Index (FVI) was developed and applied in the Çarşamba district of Samsun, Turkey, resulting in spatial vulnerability maps. The findings reveal that enhancing urban resilience to flood risk requires an integrated approach that considers social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Furthermore, the developed index proves to be a practical tool that can be integrated into urban planning processes and utilized for early warning, emergency response, and strategic decision-making. The originality of this study lies in its proposal and implementation of a quantitative method that assesses the impact of flood events on cities and offers an applicable tool for urban planners.