Flood risk assessment and management in Slovakia

Abstract

In recent years, the growth of population and the diffusion of settlements over flood vulnerable areas have increased the impact of floods worldwide. Natural disasters such as floods have constituted a major problem in many countries worldwide. Floods have caused immense economic and social losses, mainly as a result of unplanned urbanization, uncontrolled population density and not strictly inspected construction by authorities. Flood damages that have arisen on watercourses and hydraulic structures on the territory of the Slovak Republic have been huge. The most affected area is the eastern part of Slovakia, where the most complex situation is in the Laborec, Topľa, Ondava, Torysa, Latorica and Hornád river basins in the recent years, mainly in 2010. This contribution presents flood risk assessment and management in these territories. © 2011 WIT Press.