Flood risk management / Disaster risk reduction

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The majority of the world’s population lives in areas that are threatened by floods. Climate change will increase the probability of extreme events, whereas population growth and economic development will increase the potential impact of flooding. Deltares helps clients to assess flood risks and gives advice on measures to mitigate those risks.

Flood risk analysis

Deltares assesses flood risks by carrying out integrated risk analyses looking into both the probability and impact of flooding. We estimate flood probability by confronting water levels and waves with the height and strength of levees. Simulations with our Sobek 1D/2D model show the possible extent and impacts of flooding. Deltares maps the vulnerability of an area in case of flooding and studies the effects of climate change and spatial planning on flood risk. We also assess economic damage, possible casualties and environmental impacts of floods.

Managing flood risks

Risk analysis provides the basis for recommendations on improving flood risk management. Deltares advises clients on flood protection standards, strengthening of flood defences, creating more room for rivers as well as on spatial planning to make an area less vulnerable. Because it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of flooding, society has to be prepared when things go wrong. Deltares develops and applies flood forecasting and early warning systems to support Flood Preparedness (flood event management).

In our advice we comply with requirements of the European Flood Risk Directive. Deltares has the knowledge and tools to support Member States in the implementation of this Directive. Deltares also supports the WMO Helpdesk on Integrated Flood Management.