Identification of Areas with Significant Flood Risks in Counties along the Danube River in Serbia and Their Risk Assessment

Abstract

For countries along the Danube River, their sustainable economic and social development needs the optimum water utilization of both the Danube and its tributaries. In the context of climate change, the risks of floods and natural hazards must be managed, because these risks have caused noticeable damages to the environment, people and their property. The countries along the Danube River have a long tradition of international cooperation in this field. Primarily based on the experience of European countries and literature on flood risk management, this research aimed to acquire up-to-date knowledge, emphasize the importance of integrated and high-quality information, and use the information as flood risk management technology and tool. Some areas in the Danube basin in Serbia have been identified with significant flood risks. Taking these areas as an example, this paper presented flood risks caused by the Danube and a map predicting those risks. In addition, this paper studied relevant information on flood risk management and flood hazards, such as possible scopes and impacts (damages) of floods, as well as their frequency and mechanism in the case study of Serbia. In this context, knowledge and understanding of these natural hazards, as well as geographic information and technology can be used for further planning and control, thus minimizing flood risks.