Flood hazard mapping methods: A review

•State-of-the-art review of related publications from 2000 to 2021 for the three discussed methods in FHM.•The review study gave a comprehensive overview of the methodologies in flood hazard mapping.•Explained the strengths and limitations of the physically-based, physical, and empirical modeling methods in flood hazard modeling.•Presented case studies of the methods, uncertainties, recent trends, and future directions associated with the methods in the review study. Flood hazard mapping (FHM) has undergone significant development in terms of approach and capacity of the result to meet the target of policymakers for accurate prediction and identification of flood-prone or affected regions. FHM is a vital tool in flood hazard and risk management analysis. Previous review studies have focused on flood inundation modelling methods. This present study presents a thorough and current review of the physically-based, empirical, and physical modelling methods in FHM. The study gives insight into strengths, limitations, case studies, and uncertainties associated with the methods. It further discusses the approaches in handling uncertainties related to each method, and its recent development. The review study is targeted at enlightening researchers and decision-makers with an extensive understanding of the methods and of the recent improvements in FHM thereby empowering flood management agencies, decision-makers, design engineers, early warning system agencies, and responders in addressing and making accurate decisions in flood-related problems, employing best management practices in flood management, and adaption of climate decision-making towards building resilient infrastructures.