Risk of flooding can be reduced by decreasing hazards, reducing
or eliminating the vulnerability of the elements at risk, or a
combination of both actions (DeGraff, 1989). Adoption of nonstructural
risk reduction measures, including development of landuse
planning, installation of flood forecasting and warning systems,
adoption of preparedness measures against flooding, and cre-ation of risk-transfer instruments, such as insurance, in flood risk
areas can effectively reduce the effect of flooding on lives and
property. Application of land-use planning can reduce flood hazards
by allocating less vulnerable land uses to the most hazardous
areas or by avoiding development in those locations. Relocation of
the residents of high risk areas would reduce their vulnerability.
Creation of a “culture of safety” in flood-prone areas also could
reduce a flood-effected community’s vulnerability by creating people’s
awareness of possible flooding or by the building of safer
housing that will withstand flooding in areas vulnerable to future
flood damage. The design and installation of flood-forecasting and
-warning systems which allow people in high risk areas to move to
less hazardous locations during flooding can effectively reduce the
elements at risk. Local preparedness to cope with potential disasters
also would effectively reduce loss of life and damage to property
in high risk areas. Introduction of insurance to spread the
losses of future floods among those directly affected also could be
used to reduce risk of future floods.