Training workshop in flood risk management

Background

Floods are one of the most threatening natural hazards for human societies. This is evident from the increase in damages in the last 50 years due to a series of extreme floods in different regions around the world. Catastrophic floods endanger lives and cause human tragedy as well as heavy economic losses. In addition to economic and social damage, floods can have severe environmental consequences as well. Due to the impact of climate change, the coming decades are likely to see higher flood risks and greater economic damages in different regions around the world. Flood is the most widespread type of natural disasters in OIC member countries. The total number of floods in OIC countries reached 909 during the period 1980-2011, making up 38% of total number of natural disasters. Affecting over 330 million people during the same period, flood alone accounted for more than half of the total number of people affected from all natural disasters. In terms of occurrence, floods were the most widespread type of natural disaster recorded in Senegal during 1980-2011. They affected almost one million people during the same period and cost almost 50 million USD.

The training workshop on Flood Risk Management in Senegal is one of the initial efforts of SESRIC and IDB towards enhancing the capacities of the relevant national institutions dealing with natural disaster risk reduction management in OIC member countries. The workshop will offer a distinct opportunity and practical approach to transfer the knowledge, know-how, experience and best practices of some member countries (mainly Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan) and international organizations in the field of flood risk management.

The workshop is planned to provide Senegalese staff in relevant flood risk management authorities/institutions the knowledge and experience on:

i) Various concepts and approaches for various phases of flood risk management: risk analysis, prevention, protection, preparedness, response and recovery

ii) Best practices of flood risk management in some member countries: lessons learned from both successful and failed experiences.

Aim

Facilitate the transfer of knowledge, know-how, experience and best practices of some member countries and international organizations in the field of flood risk management as well as water resources management.

Objective

• Improve their knowledge on the causes of flooding; risk analysis, mapping and different flood forecasting models and policy; assessment of flood damages; and to provide information on flood mitigation measures and their advantages and disadvantages.
• Understand and explain the main concepts and principles of flood risk management.
• Develop administrative, managerial and professional skills in the practice of flood hazard mitigation.
• Learn from success and failure stories; actual experience of some member countries in flood risk management.
• Understand and analyse various contributing factors to disaster and create recommendations appropriate to flood situation in Senegal.
• Learn about the facilities available in relevant international organizations on how to formulate and implement strategies for flood risk management.
• Learn about vulnerability (consequences on receptors): Risk perception, community behaviour and social resilience.