Flood risk management aims to reduce the likelihood and/or the impact of floods. Experience has shown that the most effective approach is through the development of flood risk management programmes incorporating the following elements:
- Prevention: preventing damage caused by floods by avoiding construction of houses and industries in present and future flood-prone areas; by adapting future developments to the risk of flooding; and by promoting appropriate land-use, agricultural and forestry practices;
- Protection: taking measures, both structural and non- structural, to reduce the likelihood of floods and/or the impact of floods in a specific location;
- Preparedness: informing the population about flood risks and what to do in the event of a location;
- Preparedness: informing the population about flood risks and what to do in the event of a flood;
- Emergency response: developing emergency response plans in the case of a flood;
- Recovery and lessons learned: returning to normal conditions as soon as possible and mitigating both the social and economic impacts on the affected population.