Perspectives on flood forecast-based early action and opportunities for Earth observations

Claire Nauman,Erin Coughlan De Perez,Shanna Mcclain,Andrew Kruczkiewicz,Eric Anderson,Pablo Suarez,Robert Griffin,Amanda Markert

doi:10.1117/1.jrs.15.032002

Abstract

This paper seeks to identify opportunities to integrate Earth observations (EO) into flood forecast-based early action and propose future directions for research and collaboration between EO and humanitarian communities. Forecast-based early action (FbA) is an approach to shift disaster response toward anticipation to mitigate impacts to at-risk communities; however, timely and accurate information is needed in the development of data-based triggers and thresholds for action. Therefore, this paper considers the readiness of a wide range of EO for flood monitoring and forecasting in the design, operations, and evaluation phases of FbA. The most significant opportunities for EO to inform FbA efforts lie in the design and evaluation phases, as EO can aid in the development of impact-based triggers. The EO products most readily applicable include precipitation, streamflow estimates, and exposure mapping, and those requiring the greatest amount of further research include vulnerability and impact assessments. This paper identifies collaboration opportunities for the EO and humanitarian communities to create tailored products, such as overlays combining flood extents with exposure maps. Such collaboration opportunities can be fostered by open data sharing, data verification efforts, and incentives for supporting boundary organizations capable of enabling the use of EO for FbA.

Highlights

Floods cause significant damage and loss of lives worldwide, more so than any other type of natural disaster.[1]
Given these challenges and the promising growth of the field, we see an opportunity for the Earth observations (EO) community to learn from and contribute to Forecast-based early action (FbA) efforts aimed at flood risk reduction
We provide a brief introduction to FbA, describe the readiness of Earth observations (EO) to inform flood FbA, and discuss challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for the EO community to better serve the needs of humanitarian programs implementing FbA

Summary

Introduction

Floods cause significant damage and loss of lives worldwide, more so than any other type of natural disaster.[1] In an effort to minimize flood impact and the impact of all disasters, international bodies have come together to set goals and priorities for disaster risk reduction, as presented in the Hyogo Framework for Action and its successor, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.[2,3] The goals outlined in these frameworks have encouraged the development of risk reduction strategies by a wide array of sectors One such approach is the humanitarian community’s forecast-based early action (FbA), which endeavors one to enable action. FbA systems are meant to change this, enabling people to take pre-emptive action based on a forecast, even under conditions of uncertainty.[13,14]

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Conclusion