Every year, floods affect millions of people across the world, causing the destruction of infrastructure, massive displacements, and sometimes loss of human lives. These phenomena are exacerbated by the degradation of natural ecosystems, uncontrolled urbanization, and climate change. In the face of this growing threat, it is urgent to move from a reactive approach to a proactive strategy. As an expert in the monitoring and evaluation of community and humanitarian projects, Kerus Consulting International presents an analysis of key solutions to anticipate floods and sustainably protect communities.

What are the causes of floods ?

Understanding the causes of floods is a crucial prerequisite for any sustainable prevention and adaptation strategy. Floods result from a combination of natural and human factors:

• Intense rainfall : It can saturate soils and drainage systems, leading to water overflow.
• Snowmelt and river floods : In mountainous regions, rapid snowmelt can suddenly increase river flow, reducing water absorption.
• Coastal storms: These are the main cause of flooding in coastal areas. Coastal storms can generate devastating waves (e.g., Storm Klaus in Spain and France, Hurricane Katrina in the United States, and many others).

Natural causes of flooding can be exacerbated by human actions:

• Deforestation and soil erosion : Massive deforestation reduces the soil’s water absorption capacity and promotes erosion, increasing the likelihood of floods.
• Massive urbanization : The construction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure makes cities vulnerable to flooding, as it prevents natural water infiltration into the soil and increases surface runoff. For example, the floods recorded in Spain in late 2024 were worsened by unplanned urbanization and the lack of natural buffer zones. If global warming continues at this pace, some regions will become almost uninhabitable.
• Poor water management : Clogged or poorly maintained drainage systems can cause water overflow.

It is essential to understand these causes and take them into account when implementing appropriate solutions.

The importance of anticipation in flood risk management

Anticipating floods significantly reduces environmental, economic, and especially human losses:

• Identifying risk areas : It is important to locate the areas most exposed to flooding using hazard maps (indicating where and how often floods may occur) and vulnerability maps (showing inhabited zones, sensitive infrastructure, etc.). These tools help authorities prioritize interventions, limit construction, and inform at-risk populations.
• Establishing emergency plans : Emergency plans coordinate relief efforts, define the roles of different stakeholders (city hall, firefighters, police, NGOs), and plan shelters for disaster victims. These plans help reduce damage through a swift and structured response during crises.
• Meteorological and hydrological monitoring : This relies on weather stations, water level sensors, radars, and early warning systems to alert populations a few hours or days before heavy rains or flooding.
• Raising awareness among populations in risk zones : Informing and educating exposed populations helps reduce risky behaviors (e.g., building in flood zones, dumping waste in gutters).

However, anticipation alone is not sufficient if it is not tailored to local realities. For instance, in South Sudan in 2024, 735,000 people were affected by floods despite early warning efforts. Any pr eventive system must be supported by effective logistical and social support.

Technical and technological solutions to anticipate floods

In recent years, technological advances have provided powerful tools to anticipate and manage floods:

• Early Warning Systems : These allow for early detection of imminent risks and dissemination of alerts to exposed populations, who can then take proactive measures and seek safety. For example, water level sensors can send alerts to local authorities or residents in the affected zones.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) :These facilitate precise mapping of risk zones and informed urban planning.
• Green infrastructure (bioswales, green roofs, restored wetlands, etc.) : These help slow water flow and encourage soil infiltration, thereby reducing flood intensity.

Each country must establish Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs). These tools organize prevention at the regional level. For example, in France, municipalities are equipped with Municipal Safeguard Plans (PCS).

Community-based and participatory approaches to flood anticipation

Effective and sustainable flood risk management requires the involvement of local communities. As the first to be affected, they can help authorities identify the most appropriate solutions for their context. Some effective approaches include :

• Information and education campaigns focused on flood risks and best practices during floods ;
• Community evacuation plans developed with residents to ensure fast and coordinated responses ;
• Local risk management committees acting as intermediaries between authorities and populations.

One notable example in Africa is the PING-GIRI project in Senegal, which implemented integrated flood risk management at the neighborhood level with direct community involvement.

Public policies and regulatory frameworks in flood management

States play a critical role in flood management at multiple levels :

• Integrating flood risks into land use planning : Governments can, for example, prohibit construction in flood-prone areas.
• Funding resilience projects through public-private partnerships or international climate funds.
• Robust environmental legislation to protect natural areas and enforce strict urban planning standards.

Flood prevention is no longer just a matter of crisis management. It requires innovative technologies, public action, and inclusive governance. Anticipating floods means saving lives, protecting economies, and building a safer future in an increasingly unpredictable climate. Kerus Consulting International remains available to support states in designing and implementing flood control plans.

References:

• Integrated flood management : Natural solutions to strengthen resilience
• Practical guide for raising population awareness on flood risks
• Flood expert : Causes of flooding
• Early warning systems against floods
• Floods in Spain: Territories soon to be uninhabitable ?
• Community-based disaster risk reduction management
• Forecasting to protect : Reducing flood damage through anticipation
• Public policies for flood prevention