Where We go from Here: Policy and Research Recommendations

Abstract

Flash flood vulnerability is increasing. While technological innovations make real-time data commonplace in many areas, and forecasting models increase leadtime, every year flash floods take more lives and cause greater damage. Flash floods, other than those associated with post-hurricane rains, tend to affect small areas and have mostly local effect. However, deaths and property losses are very high per unit area affected. The main contributors to increasing vulnerability are the location, type, and value of human activity. Increasing human population, rising affluence in many regions, and changing lifestyles, mean that human activities are expanding into more flash flood prone areas. In particular, these activities include recreational and leisure activities in addition to sprawling growth in urban areas.