FloodRisk
FloodRisk
This climate response measure was researched by the project team as part of the cc.alps project in 2009.
:
The catastrophic floods in Austria of August 2002 prompted a fundamental technical and political discussion on how to deal with such natural disasters in the future. Based on 46 subprojects involving more than 130 people from a wide range of institutions, and with input of more than 60 organisations, the project has produced important insights and identified deficits. It has also defined the necessary course of action with regard to future-oriented, integrated flood management.
The catastrophic floods in Austria of August 2002 prompted a fundamental technical and political discussion on how to deal with such natural disasters in the future. Based on 46 subprojects involving more than 130 people from a wide range of institutions, and with input of more than 60 organisations, the project has produced important insights and identified deficits. It has also defined the necessary course of action with regard to future-oriented, integrated flood management.
Adaptation measure
- strategic
- technical
- scientific
- Natural hazards management
national
flood
integrated management
natural hazards
The failure of technical structures requires re-examining technical planning principles and implementation as well as considering the residual risk problem. Organisational issues such as the problem of split responsibilities must be discussed in the light of the EU Water Framework Directive. The goal must be river basin planning as stipulated in the water law. In view of the problems listed above,the following objectives of the project FloodRisk were formulated: Present insights gained from the 2002 flood Discuss existing deficits Describe potential courses of action Formulate strategies for implementing such potential courses of action.
Questions relating to the residual risk have hardly been discussed before the 2002 flood. At the same time, the vulnerability of settlement areas and infrastructure increased both due to intense building developments in floodplain zones and because of unsuitable uses and structural engineering measures. This caused problems at the technical level and in spatial planning. The population received financial compensation. Nonetheless, the poor coordination between insurance benefits and payments from the disaster fund gave rise to discussions and triggered socio-economic analyses. The problem of short-notice evacuations and the necessary preventive measures demand serious consideration of the dangers arising from floods.They also call for effective planning instruments such as hazard zone plans and flood early warning systems. Legal measures optimizing disaster protection must be part of the package.
The aim is to rapidly implement the proposed measures and recommendations because extreme events are sure to occur again. A concerted effort is required in politics, administration and research. Fundamental decisions should be taken immediately. All issues – ranging from advanced planning to post-flood activities – require legal, technical and socio- economic measures. A key aspect is the integration of ecological targets into the planning and implementation of flood control measures. For integrated flood management to be successful, an increased involvement of the local community is essential. This should take place in the form of a risk dialogue in which the threats are identified, the need for protection and the potential protective measures are considered, and the residual risks estimated and accepted – or appropriately countered if necessary
Administration (local, regional, national), Universities or other education institutions
Austrian Federal Ministry for Traffic, Innovation and Technology; Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and Water Management; University for Applied Life Sciences Vienna
Online information on the measure
Hompage of the Umweltbundesamt.http://www.umweltbundesamt.at
Information about the project (language:GERMAN).
http://www.umweltbundesamt.at/umweltschutz/klima/projekte/floodrisk/
Hompage of StartClim, information about climate research projects, publications...(language: mainly GERMAN).
http://www.austroclim.at