unitVIII RP

Background

Floods distress most citizens and render most of them homeless. Historically, my hometown is a flood-risk area since there are previous positive flood histories. Flooding has cost the town economically as it scares away investors. Therefore, investing in flood mitigation will have a significant positive impact as it will directly reduce the losses that usually result with the occurrence of this calamity. The incorporation into practice of the various strategies will ensure that the people are no longer affected by the floods and that they are fully prepared before the onset (Fortin, 2009).

Key issues for commencing the risk reduction project

Floods impacts on the people and the community and have socioeconomic and environmental consequences. The magnitude of these consequences is dependent on the extent of flooding and the value of the environmental damage that results. Key reasons for commencing this particular project was to reduce the adverse effects such as loss of lives, damage to properties and infrastructures, destruction of crops and the deterioration of health status of individuals that occur as a result of waterborne infections (Merz & Thieken, 2004). Floods cause disruption of industrial activities that leave people economically vulnerable; therefore the proper preparation of the masses will counter all this.

The main stakeholders involved

For the successful participation of the public in flood managements, various groups must actively participate so as to actualize the strategies. The different key players include:

1. Government ministries. The primary objective of the government is to ensure the wellbeing of the citizens. They participate by administering incentives and devising strategies (Tobin & Calfee, 2005).

2. Communities are the major stakeholders. The inclusion of community representative members will ensure that their interests are identified. The programs are tailored to cater for the specific unmet needs of these flood-prone communities (Tobin & Calfee, 2005).

Other minor stakeholders that play a key role include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), scientific research institutions, volunteer groups and other private entities.

Demographics and geographic regions

The most affected areas are those that live within the vicinity of river sources. Flood losses amount to an estimate of $2 million. The populations in these flood-prone areas grow less yearly due to the migration of people to different geographical locations as compared to other regions. It is, however, noteworthy that some flood-prone parts of the United States record a growing population such as Texas, Florida and New York.

Past historical disasters

Flood reports have been reported in my community in the previous years. The property loss has been estimated to be around $279million. The death toll, however, has been decreasing over the past years owing to the government involvement and implementation of various strategies. The government has implemented various strategies such as educating the masses, offering airlifting services in the case of flash floods. The correct prediction and timely response in the event of a flood have significantly saved the community from sudden financial losses. The creations of highly efficient drainage systems have enabled the continuity of activities of daily living in the flood-prone areas (Patton, 1988).

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to restate that flood risk reduction strategies will be of substantial financial benefit to the community as a whole. Early preparation and timely implementation of strategies will greatly aid in preventing losses that occur as a result of the floods.

References

Fortin, M. (2009). Protecting people and property: A Business case for investing in flood prevention & control. Conservation Ontario.

Knox, J. C. (1993). Large increases in flood magnitude in response to modest changes in climate. Nature, 361(6411), 430-432.

Merz, B., & Thieken, A. H. (2004). Flood risk analysis: Concepts and challenges. Österreichische Wasser-und Abfallwirtschaft, 56(3-4), 27-34.

Patton, P. C. (1988). Drainage basin morphometry and floods. Flood Geomorphology. John Wiley & Sons New York. 1988. p 51-64. 11 fig, 1 tab, 67 ref.

Thieken, A. H., Kreibich, H., Müller, M., & Merz, B. (2007). Coping with floods: preparedness, response and recovery of flood-affected residents in Germany in 2002. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 52(5), 1016-1037.

Tobin, R. J., & Calfee, C. (2005). The National Flood Insurance Program's Mandatory Purchase Requirement: Policies, Processes, and Stakeholders. American Institutes for Research..