Policy Actions for Flash Floods

Flash floods are sudden and intense flooding events that occur within minutes to hours after heavy rainfall or rapid water release, typically in small and steep catchments where water accumulates quickly. Frequency and intensity of flash flood events increased due to climate change–driven extreme rainfall, as well as land-use changes such as deforestation, urbanization, and loss of natural floodplains that reduce infiltration and increase surface runoff. Slope gradient, catchment size and shape, soil type, and soil saturation determine how rapidly rainfall is converted into runoff and lead to flash flood events.This Research Topic addresses the current status of flash floods around the world. We collect information on frequency and intensity of flash floods, responses, subsequent measures developed to improve, and if available, the effectiveness of these measures. We are particularly interested in unique approaches to flash flood responses and subsequent actions in each country or region as we learn from one another and devise flash flood response strategies that are context-specific and feasible at local, state/provincial, and national levels.We invite original research and policy studies that assess in one paper all of the following in a country or region of the author’s choice: (1) the frequency and intensity of flash floods; (2) responses to flash floods; and (3) post-flood preventive measures.Relevant themes include but are not limited to:· hotspot mapping of flash floods in a country or region· role of unplanned development· preparedness inclusive of indigenous knowledge, early warning system, and forecasting· post-flood measures such as the use of indigenous knowledge, nature-base solutions, community and government interventions, and insurance· effectiveness of these measuresThis Research Topic will accept the following articles:· Brief Research Report· Case Report· Clinical Trial· Community Case Study· Original Research· Policy and Practice Reviews· Policy Brief· Systematic Review Topic editors: So-Min Cheong, Saswata Sanyal Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79220/policy-actions-for-flash-floods