International Journal of Hydrological and Environmental for Sustainability
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): International Journal of Hydrological and Environmental for Sustainability

Flood Inundation Mapping in Medan Maimun, Medan City Using HEC-RAS 2D and the Nakayasu Synthetic Unit Hydrograph

Sarra Rahmadani (Department of Civil Engineering, Universitas Negeri Medan)
Dewi Fitria Marlisa (Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Malikussaleh)
Rumilla Harahap (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Siti Zulfa Yuzni (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Nanda Savira Ersa (Universitas Malikussaleh)
Cut Meuthia Rani (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Al Fatahillah (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Muh. Ilham Anggamulia (Universitas Muslim Indonesia)
Yusuf Aulia Lubis (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Anni Zahara Putri (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Wisnu Prayogo (Department of Building Engineering Education, Universitas Negeri Medan)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Flood inundation mapping is a critical tool for urban flood risk assessment in tropical cities. This study investigates flood inundation extent in Medan Maimun Sub-district, Medan City, one of the most flood-prone areas in North Sumatra, Indonesia, where flood depths of approximately 3 meters were reported in February 2022 and December 2023. The study aims to: (1) determine design rainfall through frequency analysis and calculate design flood discharge for return periods of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years using the Nakayasu Synthetic Unit Hydrograph (SUH Nakayasu) method; (2) simulate flood routing using two-dimensional hydraulic modeling; and (3) map the resulting flood inundation extent for each return period. Rainfall frequency analysis used annual maximum rainfall data from two stations for the period 2014–2023, with the Log Pearson III method selected based on Chi-Square goodness-of-fit testing. Design flood discharges ranged from 383.403 m³/s at the 2-year return period to 555.149 m³/s at the 100-year return period. Flood routing and inundation mapping were performed using HEC-RAS version 5.0.7 integrated with RAS Mapper. Total inundation area increased from 110.982 ha at the 2-year return period to 126.581 ha at the 100-year return period, covering approximately 41.6% of the sub-district area at the 100-year return period. The model was not formally calibrated or validated against observed flood data; results should be interpreted as indicative of relative flood risk patterns rather than precise predictions. The flood inundation maps produced provide a useful scientific basis for flood mitigation planning in Medan city, Indonesia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijhes

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Earth & Planetary Sciences Environmental Science

Description

Journal Overview International Journal of Hydrological and Environmental for Sustainability (IJHES) [e-ISSN: 2828-5050] is an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal for the dissemination of innovations and solutions focused on enhancing water and Environment management best practice. The ...