Abstract. This paper presents an outline methodology and an operational framework for assessing and mapping the risk of death or serious harm to people from flooding, covering death and physical injuries as a direct and immediate consequence of deep and/or fast flowing floodwaters (usually by drowning), and deaths and physical injuries associated with the flood event (but occurring in the immediate aftermath). The main factors that affect death or injury to people during floods include flow velocity, flow depth, and the degree to which people are exposed to the flood. The exposure potential is related to such factors as the ''suddenness'' of flooding (and amount of flood warning), the extent of the floodplain, people's location on the floodplain, and the character of their accommodation. In addition, risks to people are affected by social factors including their vulnerability and behaviour. A methodology is described for estimating the likely annual number of deaths/injuries. This is based on defining zones of different flood hazard and, for each zone, estimating the total number of people located there, the proportion that are likely to be exposed to a flood, and the proportion of those exposed who are likely to be injured or killed during a flood event. The results for each zone are combined to give an overall risk for each flood cell and/or community. The objective of the research reported here is to develop a method which could be applied using a map-based approach in which flood risks to people are calculated and displayed spatially for selected areas or communities. The information needed for each part of the process is described in the paper, and the further research to provide the required information is identified.

No abstract

In 2000, Mozambique was hit by widespread flooding that affected some 4.5 million people and cost approximately 20% of the country's gross domestic product. In a large, sparsely populated country such as Mozambique, a structural approach to flood risk management cannot be justified on environmental and economic grounds. As a consequence, flood mitigation measures need to focus on nonstructural solutions, such as reducing vulnerability to flooding and improving preparedness. This paper details the development of sustainable flood risk management strategies and the production of educational tools to reduce rural communities' vulnerability to flooding. The tools, which were developed in partnership with local stakeholders, included a Source Book on sustainable flood risk management strategies, a series of posters, a manual and a card game aimed at improving schoolchildren's flood preparedness. These tools were piloted in partnership with three rural communities in the Limpopo River basin in order to develop sustainable flood risk management strategies.

Catchment-wide flood management plans are now being prepared for all 80 catchments in England and Wales. They aim to provide the basis for sustainable flood management policies within each catchment over the next 50 years and serve as a framework for the future management of risks. This paper describes the background to the catchment flood management plans and the principles involved. It also reviews a specially tailored modelling and decision support framework that has been set up to automate the key steps in the catchment planning process, thus ensuring consistency between plans and value for money.

No abstract