Source

Type

Peer Review

Audience

Pages

Notes

Introduction: Extreme floods are the most common type of natural disaster in Europe. Climate change, including the increasing intensity of heavy rainfall, is projected to make extreme river floods even more
frequent in some areas, especially in central, northern and northeastern Europe.
In particular, the number of sudden, localised but severe floods — flash floods — is expected to rise,
which is also likely to increase the risk of casualties.
Action to prevent flooding and to reduce its impact is needed. Some countries are already taking
initiatives. Recognising the often transboundary nature of floods and flood prevention, the European
Commission has recently proposed concerted action on flood risk management.