Review report of operational flood management methods and models

Evacuation is a response to the immediate or forecast threat of flooding that is expected to pose a risk to life, health or well-being. It involves people moving from their houses or places of business to ‘safe’ locations, out of the flood risk area where they are able to shelter until it is possible and appropriate for them to return. This report summarises the institutional and legal frameworks for a number of European countries. The report details the user requirements with respect to evacuation planning for flood emergencies based on consultation with a number of stakeholders in France, Germany, The Netherlands and the UK. The following generic conclusions have been reached regarding evacuation planning and emergency management of floods: • The timing, speed and method of communication of reports are critical to effective emergency management during a flood • A knowledge of the road network, location of the vulnerable elements at risk and evacuation times are key to evacuation and emergency planning • More robust and integrated communication links between the organisations involved in the response during a flood helps to ensure an effective response • A flood event management system that provides estimates of flood extents and depths for breach scenarios would assist with emergency response • Organised evacuation is only used as a form of emergency response in very rare circumstances. In most of Europe the authorities have no powers to forcible evacuate people from their houses during floods • There is need for tools and methods to assist in the planning of evacuation/rescue operations and to estimate the optimal use of the transport network and the time required for execution of an evacuation • There is little experience within the European Union (EU) with methods and models to support the planning and execution of evacuation and rescue operations related to floods.