River Basin Management with a Special Focus on Management of Flood Events

Abstract

“River basin management with a special focus on management of flood events” deals with the forecast, management and mitigation of flood desasters that have a severe impact on riparian communities and national economies. In recent years it has been increasingly recognized that managing flood risks rather than full flood protection is the way forward for coping with these extreme events. The chapter describes management approaches resulting from the “RIMAX – Risk Management of Extreme Flood Events” research program carried out in Germany for which results were adapted for their adaptation in developing countries. Areas that are covered in the chapter include: (1) Analysis, forecasting and warning; (2) Information management and communication; and (3) Protection and control strategies. The work does not provide packaged solutions but describes results and problems and highlights aspects of importance that would need to be considered for successful implementation in a variety of conditions. It therefore provides a guideline for researchers and practitioners to utilize the generated information under a variety of conditions.