Sounding an early flash flood warning
Although plans for managing flood risk must address all aspects, researchers focused on the 3 Ps: prevention, protection and preparedness. Even though much is already known about the nature and dynamics of FFs and debris flows (DFs), it has not proved easy to apply this knowledge in practice. Forecasting and early warning systems are the most effective methods for increasing preparedness in Europe and mitigating the risk of FFs and DFs. With this in mind, the 'Improving preparedness and risk management for flash floods and debris flow events' (IMPRINTS) project, funded by the EU, was set up. The project's goal was to work towards establishing a coherent common methodology in Europe in order to reduce the loss of life and financial damage caused by FF/DF events. To achieve its objective, the IMPRINTS project set out to produce methods and tools for the emergency services and utility companies responsible for the management of FF/DF risks. The impact of future changes, such as climate change, were also analysed so as to draw up guidelines for mitigation and adaptation measures. IMPRINTS partners developed an early warning operational platform based on rainfall predictions using meteorological models and from weather radar networks. The platform is able to transform these rainfall forecasts into hydrological ones, and combine them with other data to provide a full early warning system for FF and DF risk management. The design of the new early warning platform supports both implementation of the EU's Flood Directive and development of the flood risk management plans it requires. In addition, it can be easily adapted for use in any river basin across Europe, thereby making life for populations living in these areas safer and more secure.
