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Flood Risk Management and Resilience Volume II

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Hydrology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 May 2024) | Viewed by 26289

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Professor David Proverbs BSc (Hons), PG Cert-Ed, PhD, MBA, PFHEA, FCIOB, FRICS Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor—Enterprise and Business Innovation De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
Interests: flood risk management; resilience; adaptation; recovery; response
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Guest Editor
Urban Resilience and Adaptation, Centre for Disaster Resilience, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
Interests: community resilience; adapting SMEs acommunity resilience; adapting SMEs against flooding; preparedness measures to improve urban resilience and adaptation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The first highly successful volume of this Special Issue, called Flood Risk Management and Resilience Vol 1, included 18 papers on a range of contemporary themes and issues linked to resilience. These included papers on topics, such as community response and perspectives, impact on farmers, vulnerability assessment, climate factors, evaluation of resilience, natural infrastructure and flood hazard mapping. The volume attracted wide international interest with contributions from researchers in various locations, such as Brazil, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand, Togo, the UK and the US. This second volume aims to build on these contributions and provides a further opportunity for researchers to publish their latest findings and discoveries in the dynamic and increasingly challenging area of flood risk management and resilience. The first volume was published on 31 July 2022 and since then we have witnessed significant flooding in many countries, such as Australia, Brazil, Pakistan and the US, affecting communities, lives, wild stock, agriculture and businesses.

In recent years, flood risk management approaches have shifted towards the improved management of flood risk using integrated approaches that embody resilience and more sustainable solutions. This means acknowledging that some flooding will inevitably occur and adopting approaches that help to reduce its impacts while improving resilience and speeding up the recovery processes. This is embraced in terms, such as ‘build back better’ and ‘bounce-backability’.

While structural measures, such as flood defences, dams and levees, have been put in place to provide protection against flooding, a number of innovative approaches have also been developed towards reducing the impacts of flooding, including natural flood risk management, sustainable drainage systems and property flood resilience. This is a multi-disciplinary domain with psychological resilience focusing on an understanding of human behaviour, engineering resilience focusing on technical resilience and the emergence of property flood resilience as a robust method for improving resilience of individual properties, for example. A key facet of these approaches is recognising the importance of the recovery process and how improvements in this regard can lessen the impact on households and businesses, allowing communities to overcome the impact and get back to normal living and business as usual.  

Another issue in improving flood resilience relates to the existence of many stakeholders with a wide-ranging interest in preparedness, emergency response, recovery and reconstruction. These stakeholders range from those who are directly affected by flood events, as well as those that are capable of influencing decisions on the nature and types of integrated approaches that embody resilience. Therefore, from a governance and policymaking perspective, it is important to ensure that there is equity and justice in balancing stakeholder interests across a specific landscape.

Hence, the aim of this second volume of the Special Issue is to draw together the latest multi- and interdisciplinary research in the domain of resilience to flood risk, drawing on a wide range of expertise and applications (as captured in the keywords below) to provide a further state-of-the-art collection of research connected to improving our understanding and approaches to becoming a more flood-resilient society. This Special Issue is deliberately designed to be multi-disciplinary and diverse in scope; we welcome contributions from all disciplines that can meaningfully inform the future agenda.

Prof. Dr. David Proverbs
Prof. Dr. Bingunath Ingirige
Guest Editors

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • catchment-scale approaches
  • community-based approaches
  • digital applications and solutions
  • diversity and inclusivity
  • evaluation and measurement
  • health and welfare
  • insurance and finance
  • integrated solutions
  • mitigation and adaptation
  • modelling and mapping
  • nature-based solutions
  • partnership approaches
  • planning, preparation, response and recovery
  • policy and strategy
  • property flood resilience
  • resilient infrastructure
  • risk-sensitive urban development
  • smart resilient cities
  • social capital
  • stakeholder engagement
  • vulnerability

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 2545 KiB  
Article
Effective Stakeholder Management for Inclusive Post-Flood Management: Sri Lanka as a Case Study
by Kalindu Mendis, Menaha Thayaparan, Yamuna Kaluarachchi and Bingunath Ingirige
Water 2024, 16(10), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16101429 - 17 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1130
Abstract
This study aimed to examine post-flood management, with a particular focus on enhancing the inclusivity of marginalised communities through stakeholder analysis. This study was based on an interpretivist mixed method approach, under which 30 semi-structured stakeholder interviews were conducted. Interest versus power versus [...] Read more.
This study aimed to examine post-flood management, with a particular focus on enhancing the inclusivity of marginalised communities through stakeholder analysis. This study was based on an interpretivist mixed method approach, under which 30 semi-structured stakeholder interviews were conducted. Interest versus power versus actual engagement matrix, social network analysis, and thematic analysis techniques were employed under the stakeholder analysis tool to analyse the collected data. The findings highlight the lack of clearly defined responsibilities among key stakeholders. Marginalised communities and community-based organisations have a high level of interests but a low level of power in decision making, resulting in weak engagement and the exclusion of their perceptions. This lack of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders has made marginalised communities more vulnerable in post-flood situations, as their interests are not defended. The findings emphasise the importance of conducting stakeholder analysis in the decision-making process to enhance stakeholder engagement and interaction, as well as promote inclusivity of marginalised communities in the post-flood recovery efforts of the government. Finally, this study recommends developing strategies to improve collaboration among stakeholders, fostering inclusiveness and customising these strategies according to the different types of stakeholders identified through stakeholder analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Management and Resilience Volume II)
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20 pages, 3508 KiB  
Article
Exploring and Enhancing Community Disaster Resilience: Perspectives from Different Types of Communities
by Linpei Zhai and Jae Eun Lee
Water 2024, 16(6), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16060881 - 19 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2783
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the differences in various aspects of community disaster resilience and how to enhance disaster resilience tailored to different community types. The evaluation results were validated using the flood event that occurred in Zhengzhou on 20 July 2021 (hereinafter [...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore the differences in various aspects of community disaster resilience and how to enhance disaster resilience tailored to different community types. The evaluation results were validated using the flood event that occurred in Zhengzhou on 20 July 2021 (hereinafter referred to as the “7.20” rainstorm disaster). The main results of the analysis showed that the respondents’ overall evaluation of their community’s resilience to the “7.20” disaster was relatively high. Commercial housing communities performed the best, followed by urban village communities, and employee family housing communities performed the worst. Specifically, commercial housing communities scored highest in three dimensions: human capital, physical infrastructure, and adaptation. Urban village communities scored highest in the three dimensions of social capital, institutional capital, and community competence, while employee family housing communities consistently ranked the lowest in each dimension. The most significant disparities were found in human capital, followed by community competence and social capital, adaptation, and, lastly, institutional capital and physical infrastructure. Targeted improvement strategies and measures are suggested for each type of community, offering valuable recommendations for relevant government agencies aiming to enhance community disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Management and Resilience Volume II)
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21 pages, 5679 KiB  
Article
Social Drivers of Flood Vulnerability: Understanding Household Perspectives and Persistence of Living in Flood Zones of Metro Manila, Philippines
by Judy Marie Tayaban Dulawan, Yoshiyuki Imamura, Hideo Amaguchi and Miho Ohara
Water 2024, 16(6), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16060799 - 7 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 8627
Abstract
Urban populations, especially vulnerable communities, are facing increasing flood risks due to the rising frequency of floods caused by climate change and rapid growth. Effective mitigation requires moving beyond physical and environmental approaches to embrace social dimensions. This study examined the prevailing social [...] Read more.
Urban populations, especially vulnerable communities, are facing increasing flood risks due to the rising frequency of floods caused by climate change and rapid growth. Effective mitigation requires moving beyond physical and environmental approaches to embrace social dimensions. This study examined the prevailing social drivers of floods in flood-prone communities in Metro Manila, Philippines using social data acquired through a door-to-door household survey. Responses were assessed using exploratory and combined qualitative and quantitative analyses. The findings of this study show that the decision to remain in flood-prone areas is influenced by attachment to homes and acclimatization to the environment, convenience of accessible amenities to fulfill basic needs, livelihood dependence, economic considerations, house ownership, and perceived safety from floods. When choosing a place to live, the complex tradeoffs of residents are reflected, wherein daily economic concerns outweigh the possible flood damage. By understanding the social drivers of residency, policymakers and community leaders can develop targeted interventions and formulate strategies to address the root causes of the problem, leading to effective interventions and enhancing the resilience of urban communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Management and Resilience Volume II)
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18 pages, 3018 KiB  
Article
Navigating Flood Resilience: Challenges, Solutions, and Lessons Learnt from the Dominican Republic
by Hamlet David Reynoso Vanderhorst, Chaminda Pathirage and David Proverbs
Water 2024, 16(3), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16030382 - 24 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4047
Abstract
Recent unprecedented events worldwide, such as floods in Dubai, recurring heavy rainfall in Santo Domingo, and abrupt temperature changes in the United Kingdom (UK), underscore the tangible impacts of climate change. In response to escalating threats from natural disasters, global communities prioritise resilience [...] Read more.
Recent unprecedented events worldwide, such as floods in Dubai, recurring heavy rainfall in Santo Domingo, and abrupt temperature changes in the United Kingdom (UK), underscore the tangible impacts of climate change. In response to escalating threats from natural disasters, global communities prioritise resilience and effective disaster management systems. This paper addresses best practices for managing abnormal floods, laying the foundation for the next generation of preparedness and mitigation plans. Focusing on flood risk in Santo Domingo, the study employs the Community Disaster Resilience Framework, conducting a workshop with over 100 stakeholders from government, private, and academic sectors. The assessment spans physical, economic, environmental, and social aspects, revealing common challenges in infrastructure upkeep, public awareness, urban planning, drainage, and economic disparities. The paper proposes technological solutions like predictive maintenance and smart drainage systems, emphasising the potential for implementation. Recognising the importance of community involvement and preparedness, insights from the United Kingdom guide initial steps in strategy development. The conclusions advocate for collaborative efforts among government, academia, and society to navigate the complexities of disaster management and community resilience, ultimately proposing a framework to address these challenges. Further research is suggested in expanding online platforms for disaster risk reduction education in the Caribbean region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Management and Resilience Volume II)
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21 pages, 1766 KiB  
Article
An Evaluation of the Humanitarian Supply Chains in the Event of Flash Flooding
by Wenping Xu, Wenzhuo Li, David Proverbs and Wenbo Chen
Water 2023, 15(18), 3323; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15183323 - 21 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1599
Abstract
Humanitarian supply chains play a major role in enabling disaster-affected areas to recover in a timely manner and enable economic and social activities to be restored. However, the sudden onset and increasing frequency of natural disasters such as flash floods require humanitarian supply [...] Read more.
Humanitarian supply chains play a major role in enabling disaster-affected areas to recover in a timely manner and enable economic and social activities to be restored. However, the sudden onset and increasing frequency of natural disasters such as flash floods require humanitarian supply chains to be resilient during the relief process. In this study, the evaluation indicators were identified from the literature and the Delphi method, and the weights of the evaluation indicators were calculated using the ANP method; the ANP method was combined with the Pythagorean fuzzy VIKOR (PFs-VIKOR) to propose the ANP-PFs-VIKOR method model. The model was used to examine the example of the 2021 megaflood event in Zhengzhou City to evaluate the performance of the humanitarian supply chain in four cities. The findings suggest that the indicator with the strongest impact on the effectiveness of humanitarian supply chains is coordination among participating organizations. Dengfeng City was found to have the best performing humanitarian supply chain. The findings of this research provide some helpful indication of the importance of the various emergency measures which can help to inform policy recommendations for the Zhengzhou municipal government. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Management and Resilience Volume II)
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18 pages, 1380 KiB  
Article
Understanding Community Resilience through the Lens of Stakeholder Participation: Empirical Evidence from the Moat System Restoration Project
by Shihua Yan and Roziya Binti Ibrahim
Water 2023, 15(15), 2844; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152844 - 6 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1772
Abstract
In the milieu of escalating flood occurrences, the concept of community resilience has garnered considerable attention. A series of studies recommend a river restoration approach to encourage the participation of all relevant stakeholders to manage floods to improve community resilience. However, existing studies [...] Read more.
In the milieu of escalating flood occurrences, the concept of community resilience has garnered considerable attention. A series of studies recommend a river restoration approach to encourage the participation of all relevant stakeholders to manage floods to improve community resilience. However, existing studies have not sufficiently unraveled the intricate interplay of drivers shaping such participation. Therefore, using the Moat System Restoration Project in Tianchang City as the empirical conduit, this study elucidates the relationship between the drivers that drive stakeholder participation in river restoration in the context of improving community resilience. The Theory of Planned Behavior was employed to extend additional independent variables such as stakeholder attitudes, priorities, risk perception, trust in government decisions, knowledge, motivation, and intentions. A sample of 473 local residents involved in the Moat System Restoration Project was evaluated by Structural Equation Modelling. The empirical results revealed the salient influence of stakeholder attitudes, knowledge, and priorities on their behavior and risk perception where harnessing perceptions of priority has the potential to significantly improve community resilience. Notably, the study dispelled the presumed influence of trust on risk perception, a revelation that deviates from some existing literature. The findings further demonstrate a strong association between stakeholder motivation and both risk perception and intentions, a relationship underappreciated in previous studies. Theoretically, this study unearths the intricate dynamics of stakeholder participation in river restoration projects, thereby extending the Theory of Planned Behavior to the sphere of stakeholder participation, which adds a critical dimension to the understanding of flood management and community resilience. Practically, this study provides a valuable lens for practitioners as it illuminates pathways to foster stakeholder participation in river restoration initiatives, guiding the development of strategies to foster stakeholder participation in similar projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Management and Resilience Volume II)
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17 pages, 3647 KiB  
Article
Runoff Simulation under the Effects of the Modified Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model in the Jiyun River Basin
by Zhaoguang Li, Shan Jian, Rui Gu and Jun Sun
Water 2023, 15(11), 2110; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15112110 - 2 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1890
Abstract
Few studies have been conducted to simulate watersheds with insufficient meteorological and hydrological information. The Jiyun River watershed was selected as the study area. A suitable catchment area threshold was determined by combining the river network density method with the Soil and Water [...] Read more.
Few studies have been conducted to simulate watersheds with insufficient meteorological and hydrological information. The Jiyun River watershed was selected as the study area. A suitable catchment area threshold was determined by combining the river network density method with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models, which was driven using the CMADS dataset (China Meteorological Assimilation Driving Datasets for the SWAT model). Monthly runoff simulations were conducted for the basin from 2010 to 2014, and the calibration and validation of model parameters were completed with observed data. The results showed that the final expression for the density of the river network in the Jiyun River basin as a function of density (y) and the catchment area threshold (x) was obtained as y = 926.782x−0.47717. The “inflection point” of the exponential function was the optimal catchment area threshold. The catchment area threshold had an upper and lower limit of the applicable range and was related to the percentage of the total basin area. The simulation results would be affected if the threshold values were outside the suitable scope. When the catchment area was 1.42% of the entire watershed area, increasing the threshold value had less effect on the runoff simulation results; decreasing the threshold value would cause the simulation results to be unstable. When the catchment area reached 1.42% to 2.33% of the total watershed area, the simulation results were in good agreement with the observed values; the coefficient of determination (R2) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) were more significant than 0.79 and 0.78 for the calibration periods evaluation index. Both were greater than 0.77 and 0.76 for the validation period, which met the evaluation requirements of the model. The results showed that the CMADS-driven SWAT model applied to the runoff simulation and the river network density method adoption to determine the catchment area threshold provided a theoretical basis for a reasonable sub-basin division in the Jiyun River basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Management and Resilience Volume II)
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24 pages, 2146 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Factors Found to Influence Urban Flood Resilience in China
by Wenping Xu, Qimeng Yu and David Proverbs
Water 2023, 15(10), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15101887 - 16 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3072
Abstract
As one of the most frequently occurring natural hazards, flooding can seriously threaten global security and the sustainable development of our communities. Therefore, enhancing the resilience of cities and improving their ability to adapt to flooding have become issues of great significance. This [...] Read more.
As one of the most frequently occurring natural hazards, flooding can seriously threaten global security and the sustainable development of our communities. Therefore, enhancing the resilience of cities and improving their ability to adapt to flooding have become issues of great significance. This study developed a new comprehensive evaluation model of flood resilience that includes an evaluation index system from the basis of four key dimensions of social resilience, economic resilience, ecological environment resilience and infrastructure resilience. Firstly, interpretative structural modelling (ISM) was applied to analyze the structural issues affecting urban flood resilience. Secondly, the analytic network process (ANP) was then used to calculate the importance of these indicators. Finally, taking three cities (Zhengzhou, Xi’an, and Jinan) in the Yellow River Basin of China as examples, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used to evaluate their current levels of flood resilience using the findings from the earlier stages. The results show that the levels of rainfall and vulnerability of groups were the fundamental factors affecting urban flood resilience. Indicators such as average annual rainfall, fixed-asset investments, and emergency rescue capabilities were also found to have a greater impact on urban flood resilience. In the study area, Xi’an was found to have a higher level of resilience due to having strong ecological environmental resilience. These findings are expected to provide a useful reference for policymakers and stakeholders involved in the management of flooding events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Management and Resilience Volume II)
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