Flood and Renewable Energy Humanitarian Engineering Research: Lessons from Aggitis, Greece and Dhuskun, Nepal

Spyros Schismenos,Surendra Shrestha,Biraj S Thapa,Nichole Georgeou,Dimitrios Emmanouloudis,Garry J Stevens,Supriya Gurung

doi:10.3390/geosciences12020071

Spyros Schismenos, Surendra Shrestha + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12020071

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Abstract

Climate and energy crises are increasing worldwide. Community-led humanitarian engineering interventions for localized sustainable development and disaster resilience could support populations at risk. This article presents findings from a study that investigated flood response and energy needs of two riparian communities in Greece and Nepal. The findings indicate that the co-development of a hybrid unit for hydropower generation and flood warning is most preferred. This prototype could find applications in different riparian areas as either a main or supplementary system.

Highlights

Floods and storms are the most frequent natural hazards worldwide and pose a serious threat in many countries [1]
The structure of Round Two was augmented with two decision-making frameworks; choice-based conjoint analysis (CBCA) and strengths, challenges, opportunities, responses, effectiveness (SCORE) analysis
Riparian communities exposed to water disasters and energy insufficiency need humanitarian engineering support and services

Summary

Introduction

Floods and storms are the most frequent natural hazards worldwide and pose a serious threat in many countries [1]. Heavy rainfall caused floods and mudslides in many parts of the country, with Evia, an island that was significantly damaged by wildfires in August, being the most impacted [3]. While the exposure to climate crises may be similar in many countries, low-income countries are disproportionally affected as they have fewer resources needed for disaster resilience [1], such as reliable energy and hazard response infrastructure. The transition to renewable energy sources, including off-grid systems, seems a pragmatic way to deal with both energy and climate threats [4]. This is not an easy task, at the local level, where riparian communities often face the dual dilemma of energy and flood resilience insufficiency

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