The present paper is aimed to develop a numerical model based on the Galerkin Finite element method for simulating two-dimensional unsteady open channel flow in alluvial rivers. A set of experimental data on curved channel is used to examine the ability of this model. The numerical results are satisfactory, as clearly observed from comparisons with measured data. Also, this model is compared to the finite-difference model that has been presented. The findings indicate the calculations for water surface, longitudinal velocity and transverse velocity of the finite element model are more satisfactory than those of the finite-difference model. Furthermore, the finite element model has better conservation of discharge. The applicability of the model can be performed by simulating the flood events of the downstream reach of Cho-Shui River. The agreement is good in general.