After the extreme flood in 2002: changes in preparedness, response and recovery of flood-affected residents in Germany between 2005 and 2011
In the aftermath of the severe flooding in Central Europe in August 2002, a number of changes in flood policies were launched in Germany and other European countries, aiming at improved risk management. The question arises as to whether these changes have already had an impact on the residents'...
Main Authors: | , , , , |
---|---|
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2015-03-01
|
Series: | Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences |
Online Access: | http://www.nat-hazards-earth-syst-sci.net/15/505/2015/nhess-15-505-2015.pdf |
Summary: | In the aftermath of the severe flooding in Central Europe in August 2002, a
number of changes in flood policies were launched in Germany and other
European countries, aiming at improved risk management. The question arises
as to whether these changes have already had an impact on the residents'
ability to cope with floods, and whether flood-affected private households
are now better prepared than they were in 2002. Therefore, computer-aided
telephone interviews with private households in Germany that suffered from
property damage due to flooding in 2005, 2006, 2010 or 2011 were performed
and analysed with respect to flood awareness, precaution, preparedness and
recovery. The data were compared to a similar investigation conducted after
the flood in 2002.
<br><br>
After the flood in 2002, the level of private precautions taken increased
considerably. One contributing factor is the fact that, in general, a larger
proportion of people knew that they were at risk of flooding. The best
level of precaution was found before the flood events in 2006 and 2011. The
main reason for this might be that residents had more experience with
flooding than residents affected in 2005 or 2010. Yet, overall, flood
experience and knowledge did not necessarily result in building retrofitting
or flood-proofing measures, which are considered as mitigating damages most
effectively. Hence, investments still need to be stimulated in order to
reduce future damage more efficiently.
<br><br>
Early warning and emergency responses were substantially influenced by flood
characteristics. In contrast to flood-affected people in 2006 or 2011,
people affected by flooding in 2005 or 2010 had to deal with shorter lead
times and therefore had less time to take emergency measures. Yet, the lower
level of emergency measures taken also resulted from the people's lack of
flood experience and insufficient knowledge of how to protect themselves.
Overall, it was noticeable that these residents suffered from higher losses.
Therefore, it is important to further improve early warning systems and
communication channels, particularly in hilly areas with rapid-onset
flooding. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 1561-8633 1684-9981 |