Flash Floods: A Quick Guide for Local and Regional Authorities

Flash floods are fast, violent, and increasingly common. REGILIENCE’s new multilingual guide helps authorities prepare and act quickly to protect communities.

Flash floods—triggered by intense rainfall over short periods—are among Europe’s most destructive natural hazards. Their increasing frequency and intensity pose serious risks to lives, infrastructure and ecosystems.

To support local and regional authorities, REGILIENCE and partners have released a practical quick guide that outlines how to assess local risks, strengthen drainage systems, and integrate flood resilience into urban planning. Tools like risk maps and adaptation databases are included.

The guide presents over 30 actions, including the use of sustainable urban drainage systems and green roofs. Cities like Hamburg and Madrid are already applying these solutions. It also includes a self-assessment tool to avoid maladaptation.

📘 The publication is multilingual and is a practical resource to support flood risk management and emergency preparedness.