Flash Floods in Urban Areas: Case Studies in Reggio Calabria (Italy)

Abstract

Flash flood is a precipitation of short duration and strong intensity which, generally, takes place in small portions of territory. Italy, due to climate, morphology and anthropization, is particularly subject to these phenomena. The major consequences of the flash floods occur in small basins, characterized by modest times of concentration and low storage capacity, especially if located close to urban areas. From this point of view, the development of alert systems can mitigate the impact of the phenomenon on the population. The paper will analyze the problems related to flash flood through two case studies near Reggio Calabria. It is a site of interest because it is located at the southern end of Calabria region, in the South of Italy, and is particularly prone to flash floods and environmental risks due to the morphological and climatic characteristics of its territory.