During a Flood Event

Abstract

This chapter describes common governance challenges and good practices related to flood preparation and response measures. These measures taken during a flood include developing flood forecasting and warning systems, preparing disaster management and evacuation plans and disaster management when a flood occurs.

An important common challenge is how authorities can organise themselves in times of flooding. In England we find a good practise regarding flood forecasting and warning, which is essential to be able to react in time. Furthermore, a national framework to coordinate local action is in place. In France, local, national and international partners collaborated in a large crisis management exercise in the Paris region.

Besides collaboration between authorities, involvement of the public and volunteers is required to deal with floods, considering limitations in governmental capacities. In England local community flood action groups have been set-up, whereas Poland has good experiences with involvement of the voluntary fire brigades, involving local volunteers and identifying local leaders that are capable of raising and coordinating community action. As involvement of the public starts with awareness, Sweden has set-up a communication program on flood risks related to failure of large dams. The Netherlands launched a website informing citizens of their options for evacuation in case of a serious flooding.

1 Supplementary Electronic Material (S)

Facts Sheets (PDF 12622 kb)

Quick Reference Chart (PDF 275 kb)