Resource manual on flash flood risk management: community-based management (module 1)

This publication is the first module of the ‘Resource Manual on Flash Flood Risk Management’ prepared under the project ‘Capacity Building for Flash Flood Risk Management and Sustainable Development in the Himalayas&rsquo.

Chapter 1 describes the hazard, its causes, and its characteristics. The formation, structure, and roles of a CFFRMC are described in Chapter 2. Women, children, and people with disabilities are the most vulnerable to natural hazards and suffer the most during flash floods. Community-based flash flood risk management must address vulnerable groups in all phases of management. Chapter 3 examines gender and disability issues in flash flood management. Chapter 4 describes the role of local knowledge in flash flood risk management, as local people have been living with this risk and sometimes have very effective knowledge about how to deal with flash floods, which should be incorporated during planning for mitigation strategies. A brief description of watershed management measures to reduce flash flood risk is provided in Chapter 5. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 describe the risk management activities appropriate prior to, during, and after flash flood events.

The module is written for community-based organisations working in flash flood management, community workers, and local government and non-governmental organisations working directly with communities. The module can also be used as a resource for training on community-based flash flood risk management.