Flooding Disrupts NT Transport
Severe weather due to a passing tropical low and associated flooding in the Northern Territory (NT) in early March impacted communities and transport networks. More than 700 people from a number of communities south west of Katherine were evacuated.
Floodwaters cut key road and rail links between the NT and Western Australia, including the Victoria Highway and the northern freight route. A long stretch of the rail line connecting Darwin and Adelaide was also closed due to the damage caused by floodwaters north of Tennant Creek. A number of incidents occurred where vehicles, including a school bus, attempted to traverse a flooded causeway.
Despite the disruption and damage, cattle farmers in the Northern Territory were pleased with the record rainfalls, with creeks flowing that had not seen water for more than 5 years. They are expecting the rainfall to deliver enormous benefits for their properties and their livestock.
Read more here, here, here and here.
Flooded Queenslanders Evacuated by Air
Residents of several communities in north-western Queensland were evacuated by air amid widespread flooding in mid-March. Weeks of sustained heavy rainfall produced riverine flooding in several catchments discharging into the Gulf of Carpentaria. Major flooding of the Gregory River, a tributary to the Nicholson River, peaked at Riversleigh on 9 March and then downstream at Gregory Downs on 10 March with a flood level of 14.69 m. Major flooding of the Nicholson River itself peaked at Doomadgee on 10 March. The town of Burketown along the Albert River experienced flood levels higher than the 2011 record flood level.
The same weather system also triggered flooding 500 km south of the Gulf of Carpentaria, with the Georgina River peaking at Roxborough Downs on 19 March with a major flood level of 9.59 m. Flooding in this area inundated the historic Lake Nash cattle station and the small town of Urandangi.
Residents were evacuated from several communities in the region, including Gregory Downs, Doomadgee, Burketown and Urandangi, due to isolation or inundation of the communities. On 11 March Burke Shire Council issued evacuation orders for all residents of Burketown. Power to several houses and water pumping stations in the town was switched off and the sewage and water treatment networks were also cut.
Flooding throughout the area isolated towns and cattle stations, with remaining residents relying on supplies delivered by air or barge. Widespread livestock losses were also experienced.
In early April, the outback town of Bedourie in Queensland was isolated as major flooding of the Georgina River and Eyre Creek in the Channel Country caused the rivers to converge, entirely cutting access to the community.
Read here, here, here, here, here, here and here.
Community-Led Recovery and Resilience Boosted by Funding
“Flexible Funding” totalling $16.7 million was made available in May for flood-affected communities in Queensland to aid in recovery and resilience. This is the second round of Flexible Funding grants which aim to support Queensland communities impacted by floods, and are open to non-government organisations, research bodies, industry groups, community groups, and local governments. The funding, jointly provided by the National and State Governments, offers opportunities for communities to enhance their preparedness, recovery, and future resilience in the face of natural hazards.
Need for Standardised Flood Claim Procedures
Based on polls of over 600 people impacted by floods in 2022, research highlights the need for consistent factsheets and improved communications regarding flood insurance claims. In the aftermath of record floods in 2022, a study involving over 600 flood-impacted residents identifies the need for the implementation of a national flood claim procedure standard in Australia. The researchers emphasise the importance of insurers issuing consistent factsheets across the country to guide victims in understanding and navigating the claims process. Additionally, the study highlights the need for improved communication, surge capacity planning, and the provision of detailed checklists to ensure clarity, simplicity, and achievable steps for policyholders dealing with flood-related claims.
Councils want Legacy Floodplain Developments Stopped
Councils are concerned about the failure of current legislation to deal with legacy Development Approvals on floodplains in NSW. The Tweed District Residents Association (TDRA) and Kingscliff Ratepayers and Progress Association (KRPA) are demanding a moratorium on existing legacy development approvals (DAs) on floodplains. These are developments which were approved many years ago but not completed and would not be approved under existing floodplain development controls. Local Councils claim that the State Government has been slow to act on the recommendations concerning floodplain development made by the NSW State Government Flood Inquiry following the 2022 floods and have left Councils without enough power to block development in floodplains. With concerns raised about the insufficient legislation and the lack of State Government support, professionals in the flooding and environmental field call for immediate action to address the issue.
Bushfires Caused East Coast Flooding
A study reveals that the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires had a significant impact on subsequent heavy rainfall and flooding, linking bushfire smoke to changes in weather patterns. A recent study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research in the US has found that the heavy rainfall and widespread flooding experienced on Australia’s east coast from 2020 to 2022 were exacerbated by the Black Summer bushfires. The research reveals a connection between bushfire smoke, increased cloud cover over the southeastern Pacific Ocean, and cooler sea surface temperatures, which influenced the La Niña weather pattern. The study indicates that the aerosols emitted by the bushfires were comparable to those released by major volcanic eruptions. The findings emphasise the interconnectedness of global weather patterns and the potential for increased bushfire risks if El Niño conditions are declared in the future.
Federal Budget Invests in Natural Hazard Resilience
The 2023-2024 Federal Budget incorporates funding for disaster resilience, including improved emergency early warning systems, risk reduction, coordination of all-hazard preparedness, early response and recovery. Building on the establishment of the National Emergency Management Agency and the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund in 2022, specific budget initiatives include a National Messaging System, Public Safety Mobile Broadband, National Emergency Management Stockpile, National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, extended disaster payments, and National Crisis Response and Recovery Capacities. This includes investment of $236 million over the next decade to establish a national flood warning network and upgrade existing flood gauges. The move follows recommendations from independent inquiries and aims to provide more accurate flood risk information and improve emergency response capabilities following the 2022 floods. The funding also covers a $10 million new emergency warning service to enhance emergency communication in near real time during disasters, including notifications in multiple languages. This aims to replace the current fragmented state-based schemes and improve emergency communications across borders.
Read here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.
FMA National Conference Wrap
A record 502 speakers and delegates attended the FMA National Conference in Sydney from 23 to 26 May. The theme of the 4-day event was “Preparing for the unprecedented flood”, gathering hundreds of professionals dedicated to improving the safety and preparedness of communities in relation to flood risk management. There were 90 papers presented along with 29 poster presentations covering a wide range of topics from the importance of town planning in defending against flooding to the improvement of flood prediction and warning. The winners of the FMA excellence awards were as follows:
- FMA IAG Young Floodplain Manager of the Year Award – Isabelle Testoni, Catchment Simulation Solutions
- FMA-Allan Ezzy Flood Risk Manager of the Year Award – Chris Thomas, Advisian
- FMA IAG Flood Risk Management Project of the Year – Brisbane City Council, Flood Information Online Update.
River Murray Flood Brings Life to Ancient Floodplains
An historic flood event breathed new life into ancient floodplains, sparking a vibrant resurgence of flora, fauna, and biodiversity. The recent flood in the South Australian section of the River Murray has led to the rejuvenation of the ancient floodplains, resulting in favourable conditions for the local flora and fauna. Two months after the flood, previously barren ground was covered in greenery, marking a significant transformation in the landscape. The environmental impact can be observed at the Chowilla Game Reserve where there is now waving grasslands, meadows of green, and an influx of bird species from around the world. The flood was the largest inundation of the area in the last 66 years and has allowed the region’s ecosystem to flourish.
Read here.
Flood-Affected Schools Relocating
Three schools from flood-affected areas in the NSW Northern Rivers region will be relocated after a comprehensive review. The schools will not be re-established at their original flood-prone sites following findings of a report prepared by the School Review Commission. The decision was influenced by insurance concerns, demographics, and mental health considerations. Trinity Catholic College is Lismore’s largest school and had almost 1,000 students prior to the catastrophic flood event in February 2022. However, the school currently operates at a temporary campus with around 840 enrolled students. Finding affordable land connected to essential services for a new site poses a challenge for relocation. Further, it is estimated that the earliest construction could begin would be in 3 to 4 years’ time, with projected completion to take 6 years.
Read here.
Flood Insurance Premiums Rising
Escalating flood insurance premiums in Australia have prompted fears that businesses and residents will be unable to afford coverage, potentially leading to underinsured or uninsured properties in flood-prone areas. In Queensland’s Murweh Shire, residents have experienced premium increases of up to 300%, with many insurance companies unwilling to provide coverage for flood damage. The Insurance Council of Australia attributes the rising premiums to extreme weather events, increased claims, rising building costs, and reinsurance expenses. Despite the implementation of flood mitigation measures like levees, insurance costs remain expensive, prompting some to consider foregoing insurance altogether, which poses a significant risk in flood-prone areas.
Read here.
Concerns for Rebuilds After Maribyrnong Floods
Concerns have emerged that homes in flood-prone areas are being rebuilt without explicit permission from flood authorities in Maribyrnong. Residents in Melbourne’s north-west are rebuilding their homes 6 months after the devastating flooding of the Maribyrnong River. Maribyrnong City Council is concerned that the homes are being rebuilt in the floodplain without appropriate input from flood authority Melbourne Water. Two inquiries are underway to investigate the October 2022 flood, with former judge Tony Pagone AM leading Melbourne Water’s inquiry. The Maribyrnong City Council and other stakeholders are calling for improved flood zoning, accurate flood mapping, and better flood mitigation measures to protect homes from future flooding.
Uninsured Flood Victims Offered Temporary Homes
The Victorian government has announced a $4.6 million program to provide modular homes to Greater Shepparton residents affected by flooding as they rebuild. 6 months after devastating floods in northern Victoria, homeowners are still struggling to recover and rebuild their homes. The state’s “Homes at Home” program is being offered to 40 uninsured households in Shepparton and Mooroopna impacted by the flooding. It offers caravans or modular homes to be located on the recipient’s property for up to a year while they rebuild. The Insurance Council of Australia has acknowledged that there is a small but significant number of Australian homes that are uninsurable, especially in flood-prone areas. Experts and officials are calling for solutions such as a national reinsurance pool and government buyback schemes to mitigate risks, improve insurance affordability, and ensure better disaster preparedness in the future.
Submissions Invited for Victorian Floods Inquiry
Victorian Parliament’s inquiry into the 2022 floods in central and northern Victoria is urging affected individuals to share their experiences. The Victorian Parliament is conducting an inquiry into the 2022 floods in central and northern Victoria. Nationals MP Gaelle Broad is urging those affected, particularly in Rochester and Echuca, to make submissions to the inquiry. The floods impacted 63 local government areas, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and crops. The inquiry aims to investigate the causes of the floods, the effectiveness of early warning systems, the resources of emergency services, flood mitigation strategies, and other relevant factors.
Northern Rivers Regional Economic Recovery Plan Released
The Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers Board has unveiled the RDA Northern Rivers Regional Economic Recovery Plan 2025 (RERP) to address the impacts of the 2022 floods on the region. The plan outlines a roadmap for a stronger and more prepared region, capable of mitigating the devastation of the February and March 2022 flooding. It highlights the widespread damage caused to housing, transport, infrastructure, and businesses across all 7 council areas. Additionally, primary production sectors such as beef, dairy, sugar, horticulture, forestry, and apiary have suffered millions of dollars in losses. The report sets out a plan for the economic recovery of the Northern Rivers region.
Read here.
Deloitte to Review Insurance Industry’s Flood Response
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has appointed Deloitte to conduct an external review of the insurance industry’s handling of the 2022 South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales floods. Insurance customers have lodged more than 240,000 claims totalling $5.81 billion in flood damages, making the 2022 floods the costliest extreme weather event in Australian history, according to a report by global reinsurer MunichRe. It was also the second costliest insured event in the world in 2022.
The Deloitte review aims to identify lessons learned and improve the industry’s response to future extreme weather events in a changing climate. The review will assess various aspects, including insurers’ response timeframes, resources deployed, claims handling, complaints handling, communication with policyholders, and engagement with stakeholders. Deloitte will analyse insurers’ claims and complaints data, consult with relevant stakeholders, and provide recommendations in the final report, expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2023.
Read here.
Support Package for Hardest Hit in Queensland
In March, the Queensland and Australian Governments together announced another $12 million in assistance for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits in the areas of Queensland hardest hit by flooding. The funding is being offered in support of flood-affected communities in the Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington and Mount Isa council areas. Primary producers may be eligible for grants of up to $75,000 while grants of up to $50,000 are available for small businesses.
Read here.
Flood Relief Programs for Indigenous Communities
Financial support to First Nations communities in Queensland, the Northern Territory and NSW is being provided following the heavy rains and associated flooding in 2022 and 2023. A range of funding opportunities were announced in March by State and Federal Governments to assist Indigenous corporations whose property has been directly affected by the floods, or First Nations groups who are assisting the immediate recovery and clean-up efforts on Indigenous lands.
Grants for Flood-Damaged Museum and Art Venues
The Federal and NSW State Governments have announced 32 projects across flood affected LGAs that will receive grants as part of the Arts and Culture Priority Needs Grants Program. The impact of the February 2022 floods on arts and cultural communities in NSW has resulted in the need for extensive repairs and restoration across impacted communities. The investment will help museums, arts venues and the community to re-establish and provide benefits to flood affected local areas.
Read here.
Floods Inspire Flood-Resilient Aid-to-Navigation System
Researchers at the University of Southern Queensland have received funding to develop a novel aid-to-navigation infrastructure system that is resilient to flooding and highly durable in aggressive marine environments. The 2022 floods caused major damage to boats, vessels and the navigation aid infrastructure that these vessels rely upon to safely navigate Queensland’s waterways. It is expected that the new composites being developed as a part of this grant will lead to average savings of $3.7 million per year in maintenance costs of Queensland’s aid-to-navigation infrastructures.
Read here.
Flood Recovery Along the River Murray
After floodwaters receded along the River Murray in March, the focus turned to the clean up, repair work and preparedness for enabling and encouraging people back to the tourist destination. The local councils have been battling with the cost of restoring essential services and park areas and the reality that many planned projects would need to be delayed, due to the cost of the repairs. Some towns that rely on tourism missed out on their highest revenue months due to flooding. As part of the recovery process, the South Australian government implemented a rolling voucher scheme to encourage people to visit the area and promote the area’s economic recovery. Flood recovery is ongoing, but the community has acknowledged the efforts of volunteers in helping get people on their feet again. The impact of the floods on the natural environment is still being monitored.
Read here, here, here, here, here and here.
International News
Auckland Flood Losses Surpass $1.6 Billion
Swiss catastrophe data firm Perils has raised its loss estimate for the flood catastrophe that struck Auckland and nearby regions in January to AUD$1.64 billion (NZ$1.754 billion). Perils, a leading catastrophe data firm, has revised its previous estimate for the New Zealand flood losses in Auckland and neighbouring regions with an increase of 6%. The floods, which were followed by Cyclone Gabrielle, have presented significant challenges for insurers, who are managing a high volume of claims and dealing with the complexities of overlapping events. This catastrophe has surpassed previous records for weather-related losses in New Zealand, excluding earthquakes, and underscores the urgent need for enhanced flood preparedness and mitigation measures in the region.
Read here.
New Zealand’s Billion Dollar Flood Recovery Fund
The New Zealand Government has announced a budget allocation of NZ$1.1 billion to aid in the recovery efforts following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and widespread flooding earlier this year. In response to the destructive effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and record-breaking rainfall that caused flash floods in Auckland, the New Zealand government has earmarked NZ$1.1 billion from the 2023 budget to support communities in their recovery. The allocated funds will be used to restore essential infrastructure such as roads, rail networks, and schools, as well as implement flood protection measures. This budget aims to bring affected areas back to normal while also providing support for child mental health services and job training.
Read here.
Pakistan Braces for More Flooding
Pakistan is preparing for another round of flooding as experts warn of increased risks due to climate change. Pakistan, still reeling from catastrophic floods that impacted one third of the country last year, is facing the possibility of further flooding as it braces for the upcoming monsoon season. Aid organisations are working to provide relief and recovery efforts, but challenges persist due to saturated soil and a lack of resources. Geographic and demographic factors contribute to the country being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of ongoing climate emergencies.
Read here.
Award-Winning Plan to Address Flood Impacts in Pakistan
A sanitation and hygiene plan mobilising women in the city of Thatta in Pakistan’s Sindh province has won top prize at the Global Heath Case Competition. Sponsored by the Yale Institute for Global Health, the competition challenged teams to develop solutions for flood resilience and recovery following the 2022 humanitarian flood disaster in Pakistan. The award-winning plan aims to empower local female health workers through innovative water filtration and hygiene techniques.
Read here.
Campaign to Improve UK Property Flood Resilience
A new campaign aims to address the low flood resilience among UK property owners. The “Be Flood Smart” campaign launched jointly by Flood Re and the Environment Agency in the UK seeks to raise awareness and encourage property owners to implement property flood resilience measures, including raising electrical sockets, installing flood-resistant doors, and using waterproof tiling. The joint initiative aims to make flood resilience mainstream, helping reduce flood damage and improve resilience in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.
Read here.
Plastic Waste Heightens Flood Risk for Impoverished Communities
A new report finds that plastic waste is increasing the severity and frequency of flooding by blocking drainage systems, endangering over 200 million people around the world. Plastic pollution is exacerbating flood risks in low and middle-income countries including India, Cameroon, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Bangladesh and Indonesia. The study reveals that inadequate waste management and blocked drainage systems contribute to more severe flooding, particularly affecting vulnerable communities. It is hoped that this data will demonstrate the need for better management of plastic waste and reduce the consequences on flood impacts.
Read here.
Project Enhances Flood Resilience in Senegal
A Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance project in Senegal is addressing flood resilience by strengthening community efforts through partnerships and providing essential tools and training. The project is enhancing flood resilience in Thiès Nord, Senegal by collaborating with local stakeholders and providing necessary resources to empower communities to mitigate flood risks. This includes the establishment of an Early Warning System that actively involves communities, facilitates training and awareness, and aims to effectively disseminate messages and warnings.
Read here.
1-in-1,000 Year Rainfall Hits Florida
A massive storm in South Florida brought an unprecedented amount of rain, resulting in severe flooding. Nearly 30 cm of rain fell in just a few hours, causing widespread flooding in South Florida. Described as a “1-in-1,000 year” event, by a National Weather Service meteorologist, led to a state of emergency being declared in Fort Lauderdale. No injuries or deaths were reported, but the city experienced significant infrastructure damage.
Read here.
Architect Creates Portable Homes to Combat Flooding Impact
A Dhaka based architect has developed a lightweight and modular two-storey “tiny home” designed to withstand severe flooding. The “Khudi Bari,” meaning “tiny house” in Bengali, is a low-cost and portable housing solution that can be easily assembled and relocated to mitigate the impact of flooding on vulnerable communities. The two-storey homes, constructed with local materials like bamboo, offer a safe haven during floods by elevating living spaces to the second floor. Award winning architect Marina Tabassum’s design aims to provide sustainable and temporary housing while also serving as community spaces in refugee camps and flood-prone areas.
Read here.
Drone Assisting Flood Emergency Response
A new drone is aiding flood monitoring and rescue efforts through use of GPS-integrated mapping in Michigan, USA. Equipped with a thermal imaging camera, the drone can identify individuals in need of rescue, even in challenging conditions. It is also being used to obtain real-time information to be used in monitoring flood levels and recovery efforts.
Read here.
Controls on Extreme Flooding
Researchers have discovered new indicators that can predict the risk of extreme flooding, even in rivers without a history of severe floods. A study led by Stefano Basso at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research has identified 2 parameters—water retention and release in the river basin, and the balance between rainfall and evaporation—that can forecast the likelihood of extreme flooding. By analysing data from over 2,500 rivers, the researchers pinpointed several rivers in Germany and the US that are at risk of unprecedented flooding, including the Rems, Wörnitz, and Vils Rivers in Germany, as well as the Baron Fork and Cowpasture Rivers in the US. The study’s findings have implications for enhancing disaster preparedness and mitigating the damage caused by extreme floods in urban areas.
Barriers to Women’s Participation in Flood Resilience
In many cultures, women have limited leadership and decision-making power. Yet, women often hold key knowledge about their communities in those cultures and are given the responsibility to care for the family and the most vulnerable, the children and the elderly. A plan to increase women’s participation in flood resilience planning and decision-making processes is emerging in Vietnam via first-aid training, community consultations and educational theatrical activities portraying Vietnamese women informing and guiding a flood evacuation. The plan aims to break down cultural barriers to flood resilience by providing women with leadership opportunities in their communities.
Read here.
Data Sharing Crucial for Himalayan Flood Warning Systems
Climate change is bringing increased risk of flooding from glacial lake outbursts to Himalayan communities. More than 3,000 glacial lakes are recorded along the Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali Rivers in Nepal, China and India. Rising global temperatures have accelerated the rate of glacial melt, with glacial meltwaters building up in these lakes and putting increasing pressure on the earth, damming them until the lakes burst and flood the rivers downstream. Although upstream glacial lake outbursts could potentially have devastating impacts on downstream communities in neighbouring countries, historically there has been little data-sharing between countries. Now researchers are urging greater cross-border data-sharing to aid in the provision of early flood warning for downstream communities.
Read here.
International Floods
In the period from March to May 2023 there were 49 international floods reported which saw at least 2,300 people dead and over 1,000,000 displaced.
Internationally significant floods included:
May 2023
Italy
From 17 to 26 May, heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna and Campania regions, resulting in 15 fatalities, widespread damage, and the evacuation of 36,000 people. The Savio River overflowed in Cesena, leading to significant flooding, while the neighbouring Marche Region also experienced severe inundation. In the Campania Region, Forino and Montoro municipalities were heavily affected.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Catastrophic floods on 4 May in South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo displaced over 3,000 families and claimed over 400 lives. Doctors of the World estimate that 70% of infrastructure for the local water supply has been damaged. In addition, approximately 50,000 people require humanitarian assistance and the community is at high risk of water-borne diseases, such as cholera.
Ethiopia
Flooding from March through to May in multiple regions of Ethiopia, including Somali, Oromia, SNNP, South West, and Afar, resulted in widespread displacement of more than 240,000 people, significant damage, and over 90 reported fatalities. The areas most impacted by flooding coincide with the areas most affected by drought since 2020. Thus, the communities most impacted by the flooding were those with reduced resilience. The floods resulted in the deaths of over 23,000 livestock and destroyed 99,000 hectares of farmland, threatening food security.
Read here.
Rwanda
Catastrophic flooding and landslides in Rwanda have led to a rising death toll, displacing numerous families and prompting ongoing search and rescue operations. As of 3 May, President Paul Kagame confirmed that heavy rains had affected multiple provinces, resulting in 127 fatalities and rescue interventions in districts such as Rubavu, Ngororero, and Karongi.
Read here.
Somalia
Extensive flooding in Somalia since March has affected over 460,000 people throughout the country. Flash flooding occurred following 200 mm of rainfall within a week in Somalia in late March, resulting in 20 fatalities and flooding 2 camps of internally displaced people. Flooding along the Shabelle River in Hirshabelle State in May forced thousands to flee their homes. The floods have caused significant damage to shelters, farmland, and livestock, impacting education and displacing nearly 219,000 individuals across the country.
April 2023
Pakistan
Heavy rainfall in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province killed 11 people, causing several housing structures to collapse. Several districts such as Mardan, Peshawar, South Waziristan, Hangu, Orakzai and Khyber were affected between 24 March and 02 April 2023.
Read here.
Burundi
At least 14 people have died and 601 people have been displaced due to floods and landslides which occurred due to heavy rainfall in the past week damaging crops and buildings. Flooding on the Rusizi and Rugogo Rivers affected around 25,000 people in Bujumbura Province, Cibitoke Province Mabayi Commune and Muyinga Province.
Read here.
Angola
Heavy rain and floods led to the death of 21 people and displacement of 155 people from 02 April to 19 April. The affected areas include Luanda Province, Namibe, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Cuanza Norte and Moxico.
Read here.
March 2023
Malaysia
Heavy rainfall impacted the states of Johor, Pahang, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia from 28 February to 2 March, with 627 mm of rain falling in a 48-hour period in Johor’s Segamat district. Widespread riverine flooding displaced nearly 30,000 people and one person died in a vehicle in Johor.
Turkey
On 15 March heavy rainfall in Turkey’s Şanlıurfa and Adıyaman provinces resulted in flash flooding in areas still recovering from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region on 6 February. Authorities reported at least 14 fatalities, most of whom died in Şanlıurfa. The flooding destroyed vehicles, damaged buildings and inundated campsites where earthquake survivors sheltered. A bridge along the Adıyaman-Çelikhan Highway collapsed, leading to the highway’s closure.
Kenya
Intense rainfall following a period of drought produced flash flooding between 23 and 27 March across Kenya. At least 12 people died, many of whom were swept away when fast-flowing floodwaters inundated their homes. Hundreds of people have been displaced. There has been extensive damage to houses, infrastructure and livestock.
Madagascar
At least 10 people have died, over 24,000 people have been displaced and over 6,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed following impacts from Tropical Cyclone Freddy. After having made landfall in Madagascar on 21 February, the Tropical Cyclone re-energised over the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel, making landfall again along Madagascar’s southwestern coast on 5 March, bringing heavy rain and flooding.
Read here.
Malawi
Tropical Cyclone Freddy made landfall in southern Malawi on 12 March and has claimed 326 lives, displaced 180,000 people and damaged at least 40,000 homes. The UN World Food Programme estimates that the cyclone brought 6 months of rainfall to southern Malawi in 6 days, causing flooding, mudslides and strong winds. Public infrastructure across the region, including medical facilities, schools and road networks, have been severely damaged.
Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Freddy made landfall in Mozambique on 24 February and again on 11 March, and has resulted in 10 deaths, the displacement of 22,000 people and the destruction of over 800 houses and health centres. It reportedly brought one month’s worth of rainfall in a 24-hour period resulting in extensive flooding.
Read here.
Brazil
More than 124 mm of rain fell in the Brazilian city of Rio Branco in the 24 hours leading up to 23 March. This caused the Acre River to overflow and inundate large areas of the city, damaging homes and roads and displacing more than 10,000 people.
Read here.
t of Environment & Heritage Protection (EHP) which led to the development and implementation of policies/strategies for a streamlined environmental licensing system and pollution reduction programs.
Resources
Collaborative Strategies to Reduce Vehicle-Related Flood Fatalities
A new article in Natural Hazard Science looks at how vehicle-related flood incidents can be reduced through multidimensional strategies that address flood hazard, behavioural, vehicle, and road-related factors.
Read here.
Readiness Assessment Methodology for Flood and Coastal Erosion Management
This article introduces a methodology designed to improve project development and stakeholder engagement in Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in the United Kingdom.
Read here.
Role of Hydraulic Engineering in Support of Flood Mitigation and Resilience
This paper addresses the limitations of traditional approaches to flood management and emphasises the need for Integrated Flood Risk Management.
Read here.
Flood Modelling to Help Assess Coastal Flooding Adaptation Actions
A study funded by NOAA in the United States has developed a framework to assess the impacts of “grey” and nature-based adaptation strategies for coastal flooding.
Read here.
IAG Report on Planned Relocation
A new report explores the facilitators and barriers of planned relocation in Australia as a response to natural hazards based on case studies, stakeholder engagement, and literature reviews, aiming to support informed discussions and decision-making.
Bushfire and Natural Hazard CRC’s Inquiries and Reviews Database
The Bushfire and Natural Hazard CRC’s Inquiries and Reviews database is a collection of natural hazard inquiries, reviews and recommendations spanning from 1886 to 2023, allowing analysis of emergency management and natural hazards in Australia.
Read here.
Podcast Supporting Families Impacted by Natural Disasters
Emerging Minds has produced a podcast discussing the potential impacts of flooding on both children and families, intended as a resource for parents to suggest ways for parents to talk to their children about natural hazards.
Read here.
“Disaster Talks” Podcast
This podcast speaks with educators and students about their experiences with floods and bushfires, and discusses what they wished they knew ahead of time.
Read here.
Morphometric Analysis of Flash Flood Susceptibility
This study used morphometric analysis, geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing, and principal component analysis to generate a flash flood susceptibility map for the Imali Stream Basin in Turkey.
Read here.
Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Floodings in New York City
This paper proposes a framework for quantifying coastal flood vulnerability in the New York City coastal watershed, taking into account climate change impacts.
Read here.
Diary
Natural Hazards Workshop
Where: Natural Hazards Centre. Boulder, Colorado
When: 9 to 12 July 2023
For more information visit here
Disaster and Emergency Management Conference
Where: Gold Coast
When: 11 to 12 July 2023
Theme: United in Prevention, Preparedness, Response & Recovery
For more information visit here.
Climate Adaptation 2023
Where: Adelaide
When: 25 to 27 July 2023
For more information visit here.
Australian Disaster Resilience Conference
Where: Brisbane
When: 23 to 24 August 2023
For more information visit here.
AFAC23 Conference and Exhibition
Where: Brisbane, QLD
When: 22 to 25 August 2023
For more information visit here
Flood Resilience Study Tour of the Netherlands
Where: Netherlands
When: 28 October to 10 November 2023
Queensland Flood Community of Practice Convenor Piet Filet is inviting Expressions of Interest from anyone in joining a Flood Resilience and Climate Adaptation Study Tour to the Netherlands from 28 October to 10 November 2023.
For more information contact Piet (p.filet@griffith.edu.au).
Joint Coast to Coast and NSW Coastal Conference 2023
Where: Newcastle, NSW
When: 30 October to 3 November 2023
For more information visit here
