Open AccessChallenges for achieving sustainable flood risk management
Author(s) -
Shah M.A.R.,
Rahman A.,
Chowdhury S.H.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of flood risk management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.049
H-Index - 36
ISSN - 1753-318X
DOI - 10.1111/jfr3.12211
Subject(s) - flood myth , flood risk management , sustainability , risk management , environmental resource management , environmental planning , floodplain , risk analysis (engineering) , flood mitigation , flood control , process (computing) , business , sustainable development , environmental science , computer science , geography , cartography , ecology , political science , law , biology , operating system , archaeology , finance
This paper presents the challenges for effectiveness and sustainability of flood risk management strategies and technologies by critically reviewing flood management practices. The study reveals that reliable flood prediction is limited by the characterisation of floods that have multiple causes and hydrological uncertainties due to variability in climate and river morphology. Moreover, changing land use in floodplains and the potential of creating new risks limit the risk assessment and evaluation process of flood control projects. Hence, sustainability analysis mechanisms, including ‘dynamic sustainability’ concepts, should be adopted in the flood management planning process. Investigations into the proportional contribution of structural and non‐structural measures to reduce total flood risk could assist in better decision making. Gaining improved understandings of the perception on flood risk and safety, and risk communication methods, for present and future stakeholders is crucial. Extensive research on the above challenges would reveal pathways for developing sustainable flood risk management strategies.