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International Handbook on Emergency Management for Flood Defence

Flood defences and the protection of the hinterland are often part of the overall flood risk management strategy. The increased frequency and severity of floods and aging defences require the strategy to also include emergency management of flood defences.
Globally there is a wide range of response approaches available, making it necessary to arrive at a sound inventory. To effectively educate the next generation, documenting the knowledge and experience of well-trained flood fighters, including their best practices, is essential.
This all leads to the initiative to arrive at this International Handbook. The International Handbook on Emergency Management for Flood Defences (IHEMFD) will serve as a valuable resource by identifying key principles and consolidating global best practices in preparedness and response for managing risks during extreme flood events.

he handbook is intended for flood asset managers and their main partners involved in crises. The aim is to support them in understanding the challenges and to arrive at an effective and efficient response. It outlines key principles, typical issues and methods that are essential for preparedness and response phases.

The chapters address both governance and technical aspects and provide numerous examples to help understand what is necessary. Key topics such as inspections, early warnings, failure mechanisms, response measures as well as logistics and implementation are covered.

Furthermore, the handbook delves into crisis management, knowledge sharing, learning and the needed funding.

Use of the handbook should always be taken with care. The reader should always be critical when using the book and should always think how it ties into the situation at hand. No event is entirely the same. The reader is kindly also referred to the disclaimers within the handbook.