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Content archived on 2024-05-07

Telematics-Assisted Handling Of Flood Emergencies In Urban Areas

Objective

The objective of this project is the development of a comprehensive operational system for handling urban flood emergencies which synthesises cutting edge telematics technology with advanced forecasting of meteorology and hydrology encapsulated in a Decision Support System (DSS). The utility of a validated, integrated system will be demonstrated in Athens and in Genova, Liguria. Substantial government support has been secured at both sites: Regione Liguria already operates a flood forecasting centre and is interested in enhancing its capability; the Water Company of Athens, which has the support of the Hellenic Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, aspires to establish such a capability.

Floods in urban areas occur frequently. They can be catastrophic when the natural events are rapid and pronounced, which occurs in basins of steep, complex orography and short hydraulic response time. Several major Southern European urban centres such as Athens and Genova are located in such topographies and are exposed to severe storm-induced floods. The impact of urban flooding can be reduced if the authorities implement detailed and carefully devised emergency response plans. Essential for the effectiveness of such plans are sound forecasts of the evolving phenomena, from storm to flood. For this purpose, data must be collected in real-time from various sensors and platforms and transmitted to a command centre for use in meteorological and hydrologic/hydraulic models. Based on model forecasts and knowledge of the condition of the drainage system, the public authority can decide on how to allocate resources for optimal emergency control.

Major Validation Sites
Regione Liguria, Genova, IT
Water Corporation Of Athens, Athens, GR

Users
End users are: Regione Liguria, Italy; its flood forecasting Centro Meteo-Idrologico della Regione Liguria, comprises 3 nodes (weather forecasts, flood risk evaluation and statistical evaluation of data & results) and the Water Company of Athens, representing the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works.

Approach
Telematics, advanced forecasting of storm events (tracks and intensity) and of hydrologic response through modelling and implementation of a Decision Support System at all phases of emergency life cycle (early watch, warning, alarm, restoration)

Expected Benefits
Better protection from the hazards of severe floods, which include loss of life, material damages and loss of productivity for society as a whole, and more efficient and rapid restoration of normality.
Improved discharge of Civil Protection obligations of the public authorities to the citizens through better use of resources
This is a government activity. The benefits of European Industries derive mainly from potential sales of telematics services and also from avoidance of economic loss from flooding.

Contribution to EU Policies
If the utility of the proposed approach for handling urban flood emergencies is demonstrated successfully, the EU could adopt procedures developed in TELEFLEUR, not only in the area of flooding but, after modest modifications, for dealing with other urban emergencies (e.g. heat waves, urban pollution incidences).

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

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Coordinator

NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ATHENS
EU contribution
No data
Address
Lofos Nymfon

Greece

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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Participants (6)

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