Floods are the most devastating natural occurrences that affect both natural and manmade features existing on the earth's surface. The study area found in the low laying areas of Amhara Region characterized by intensive human activities, a steep slope, heavy rainfall during summer with high drainage density and dominantly verti soil type, proximity to the river were identified as the main factor increasing flood risk. Population and land use were used for vulnerability analysis and flood depth was used for further analysis. The main object of the study was to assess the flood risk based on Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing techniques within Dikala Watershed in Kobo Woreda Amhara Region. To achieve this, the rank-sum method was used to weight the factors leading to flooding “vulnerability” and “hazard” separately in different degree levels. Then risk map was produced by multiplying the final vulnerability and hazard index using a raster calculator. The major findings of the study showed that within ‘moderate to high’ flood hazard and risk level. With these the Dikala watershed flood risk map and river flood hazard map, Future development activity concerning land use in development policy should be done to decrease the risk of flooding in the study area.

Keywords: Floods, Environmental vulnerability, GIS and remote sensing, Dikala Watershed, Land use