Joining forces against flooding: International Handbook launched

Its ultimate goal is to build an international community of flood defence experts, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. True to its slogan, 'Ready for use, but never finished', it invites users to contribute their experiences and insights for future updates.

Building communities

The aspiration is that this handbook helps to reduce or even prevent casualties and damage caused by flooding. That is why all the authors, from around the globe, volunteered to work on it. Flood defence managers can use it to structure their organisations effectively, ensuring they are well-prepared to respond to high-water crises and take the appropriate measures.

It is crucial for experts to be able to assist one another during high-water situations on a regional or even international level. Therefore, building a community is a key objective of this handbook. Cooperation is vital in such scenarios.

The goal is to establish multiple regional communities worldwide, connected through a global network, where practitioners can contribute their experiences towards the handbook. Building these communities involves sharing the vision and narrative. Early adopters are sought to promote this narrative within their networks.

Preparedness and response

The handbook provides guidelines for preparedness and response to flood crises, sharing knowledge and practical examples tailored for diverse regions.

It focuses on 2 aspects of the Disaster Risk Management Cycle: preparedness and response. Preparedness involves having emergency plans, training, exercises, accurate forecasting models, understanding hazards, and raising awareness. Response refers to actions during a disaster, such as decision-making, inspections, and implementing measures to prevent flooding.

This is not a one-size-fits-all recipe book; each situation is unique, and every country faces different challenges. We used the PIME methodology: Principle, Issue, Method, Example. This approach focuses on explaining why specific actions are taken, rather than just describing how they are done. This helps other organisations adapt the guidance to their context.

The handbook includes examples for inspiration and covers topics such as crisis communication, the need for funding of emergency organisations, and more.

Ready for use, but never finished

The handbook was created in 18 months, from writing to final product. Experts from various countries, including New Zealand and Canada, contributed their knowledge on flood defences and ensuring transferability to diverse situations.

It provides tools to prevent casualties and damage from floods, ensuring preparedness and effective action during high-water situations. From its launch, Flood Defence Managers and other interested parties worldwide can download it for free via International Handbook on Emergency Management for Flood Defences. We encourage users to leave their contact details so we can gather their feedback and continuously improve the handbook. In this way, it truly becomes a resource for everyone.

We also plan to organise regular newsletters and webinars to connect experts globally. After all, our slogan for the handbook says it all: 'Ready for use, but never finished.'