Analysis of the Kolubara drainage basin and impacts of the river on the town of Valjevo and its surroundings

Abstract

After heavy rains and floods in 2014 that hit western Serbia, the river Kolubara burst its banks, inflicting heavy damages to the town of Valjevo and its environment. This region has the specific climatic factors characterized by a rapid melting of snow and periods of heavy rainfall in spring. As a result, the erosion and damages occur in the steep terrains devoid of forests or other vegetation, as well as the extensive floods in the alluvial plains of the Kolubara river. This paper will analyze a part of the Kolubara river drainage basin upstream of the town of Valjevo. We will show the individual analyses and calculation of water level, flow rate, amount of precipitation, etc. The worse consequences of heavy rainfall include floods, erosion in the river basin and river bed, as well as their impacts on forests, agricultural and building land. The data analysis will provide a clear picture of the assessment of future flood risks and erosion, suitable and unsuitable terrains, remediation systems, as well as flood protection systems. In this respect, it is also necessary to clearly define the planning guidelines and integrated development of the sectors and services at all levels of government.