Flood frequency analysis using generalized distributions and entropy-based model selection method

•Flood frequency analysis (FFA) is used for estimating the return period of a design flood.•Five generalized distributions were considered as candidate distributions for FFA.•A new model selection criterion based on the value of entropy was proposed.•Monte Carlo simulation was carried out to test this new model selection method.•The designed flood values for the Qing River Basin were calculated and compared.