It is an impressive list in the colophon of the 'International Handbook on Emergency Management for Flood Defences'. Among major names such as Rijkswaterstaat, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Environment Agency in England, and Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Tourism, HZ University of Applied Sciences also appears. This recognition is thanks to the contribution of Associate Professor Vana Tsimopoulou from the Asset Management research group.
The idea for this global handbook on emergency measures for flood management originated in 2016. At that time, the aforementioned organisations participated in a large-scale emergency response exercise. During the exercise, they realised they were facing many of the same questions and challenges regarding the emergency management of structures such as dykes and dams. Some of these organisations took this further within the research project Polder2C's.
Polder2C's
Vana Tsimopoulou, then a researcher at Building with Nature, was the project leader of the European project in the Hedwige Polder. Participants from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Great Britain conducted experiments in this much-discussed polder - at the time, not yet flooded - to test the stability of dykes and emergency flood measures. Polder2C's ran from 2019 to 2022. “During the project, we agreed to incorporate all insights into a set of international guidelines. In fact, we only started working on this after the project concluded, in the form of this handbook,” says Vana. “Nothing like this had existed before.”
Editorial board
According to her, this has resulted in an international standard work. More than sixty authors from twelve nationalities worked on the book for over two and a half years. Vana is pleased that she was able to contribute to this major, significant project on behalf of HZ. She co-authored the first chapter and, along with six other experts, was part of the editorial board. She reviewed all chapters and provided feedback. HZ researcher Danny Janssen from Asset Management was one of the authors of Chapter 14: 'Understanding Where It Can Go Wrong'.
The handbook is available via open access. It is intended for employees and emergency responders from organisations such as Rijkswaterstaat, water authorities, governments, and other water management professionals, engineers, and civil technicians. The focus is on the emergency management of flood defences, covering aspects such as better flood risk assessment, the importance of inspections and early warnings, and safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of emergency responders.
There is significant demand for information on this topic, as floods have become more frequent in recent years, climate change is forcing organisations to take numerous measures, and many flood defences are ageing. “Ultimately, this book contributes to a safer world,” said Iris Reuselaars, Director of Shipping Traffic and Water Management, during the presentation of the standard work in December. “Unfortunately, we too often witness floods causing substantial damage and loss of life. The general, universal measures outlined in the book strengthen coastal management organisations, enabling them to prepare better and respond more swiftly in emergencies.”
Would you like to read the handbook? Check the website of Rijkswaterstaat.
Extreme condities
Globally, coastal safety crises are tackled in various ways. For the first time, these approaches have been compiled in the book. The authors also provide tips and tricks to help emergency responders enhance their expertise and share best practices. Case studies from 22 countries are included. “We have done this to consolidate all knowledge on emergency management, both for current professionals and for the experts of tomorrow, helping them manage risks better during extreme conditions. It is not a step-by-step cookbook but rather an advisory guide. For instance, it offers ways to prevent or delay a dyke breach. We hope it will inspire its readers. It must truly resonate with the target audience so that more people are encouraged to share their knowledge.”
Asset Management
The Asset Management lectorate conducts research into effective and efficient long-term management of the assets that determine the liveability and sustainability of the South-western Delta. The group brings together researchers, students, professionals from the field and policy makers.
Read more about the lectorate