Flood defences play a crucial role in protecting the hinterland and managing flood risks. As the frequency and severity of floods increase and existing defences age, it has become evident that emergency management must be integrated into flood risk management strategies. This necessity has led to the creation of the International Handbook on Emergency Management for Flood Defences (IHEMFD), a comprehensive guide designed to address preparedness and response strategies for managing risks during extreme flood events.

The global landscape of flood response approaches is diverse, with various methods and strategies employed around the world. To ensure effective flood defence, it is essential to consolidate knowledge and document best practices. This initiative aims to provide a well-rounded inventory of successful approaches, drawing from the experiences of highly trained professionals and organisations across the globe.

This International Handbook serves as an essential tool to document this knowledge and experience, ensuring that best practices are passed on to the next generation of flood response experts.

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Cover of the International Handbook on Emergency Management for Flood Defence
Cover of the International Handbook on Emergency Management for Flood Defences

The origins of the Handbook

The IHEMFD initiative was launched by several leading organisations: Rijkswaterstaat (the Netherlands), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), UK Environment Agency, and the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). With contributions from more than 20 organisations and over 50 experts worldwide, the handbook strives to provide international guidance on flood emergency management. The ultimate goal is to foster collaboration and practical implementation of effective emergency measures during flood events.

How the Handbook will help you

This handbook is primarily designed for flood asset managers and their key partners involved in crisis management. It aims to support these professionals in understanding the complexities of flood events and to help them develop an effective and efficient response strategy.

The handbook outlines essential principles and methods that are critical in both the preparedness and response phases of flood management. Topics covered include:

  • Governance and technical aspects of emergency management
  • Inspections, early warnings, and failure mechanisms
  • Response measures, logistics, and implementation strategies
  • Crisis management, knowledge sharing, learning, and funding needs

The comprehensive chapters, along with numerous real-world examples, will help professionals understand the most effective approaches to managing flood emergencies.

A cautionary note on use

While the IHEMFD provides valuable guidance, it is essential that the reader uses the handbook with care. Each flood event is unique, and responses should always be adapted to the specific context. The handbook encourages critical thinking and emphasises the importance of applying its principles in a manner that aligns with the particular situation at hand. Readers are also advised to refer to the disclaimers within the handbook for additional context.

Partners in the IHEMFD Initiative

The development of the International Handbook on Emergency Management for Flood Defences has been a collaborative effort led by the following esteemed organisations:

  • Rijkswaterstaat (the Netherlands)
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
  • UK Environment Agency
  • Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)

Together, these organisations have worked diligently to ensure that the IHEMFD will serve as a vital resource for professionals around the world working to manage flood risks and protect vulnerable communities.

This was originally published on the website of Rijkswaterstaat.