Warning Systems for Flash Floods: Research Needs, Opportunities and Trends

Abstract

There is little doubt that expanding population and development, in addition to changing recreational behavior, means that our activities are increasingly located in areas prone to flash flooding. Inexorably, our exposure to this hazard is going up worldwide. The challenge is to manage the resulting vulnerability. Given the characteristics of flash flooding there is little choice but to focus on warning systems and emergency response, recovery, and compensation.