Flood risk management: perspectives from Europe, Africa, And Asia

Abstract

Flooding is a general or temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry areas of land from overflow of inland or tidal waters or unusual and rapid accumulation of surface water. The impacts of flooding include mortality, widespread infections and vector-borne diseases, homelessness, and food insecurity, among others. This paper attempts to review the issues related to Flood Risk Management (FRM) in Europe, Asia, and Africa. These include flood risk perception and preparedness, integrated flood risk management, and its challenges. The rationale behind this review stems from the necessity of public awareness and risk perception of the scenario as essential prerequisites for adaptation. This is due to the fact that perception frequently drives behavior. For those involved in risk management policy and action, it will provide a clear image, and it can also be used as a vantage point for further research. It has been found that some of the hurdles faced by FRM include the politicization of techniques, a lack of funding and experienced individuals, inadequate assessment tools, and inadequate data. Anarchy in social and environmental governance exacerbates socio-economic and ecological degradation, while delays, dominance, and fragmented approaches are making FRM more challenging and costly. There is a need for collaborative and pragmatic approaches to manage the impacts of flooding, with researchers continuing to offer critical perspectives as the relationship develops.