Floods are the most frequent and damaging among natural hazards. Between 1980 and 2016, floods led to economic damages exceeding US$1.6 trillion and to loss of more than 225,000 lives. Compounded by rapid urbanization and climate change, these losses will likely increase, especially in fast-growing countries. The World Bank is increasingly seeking to promote an integrated approach to flood risk management, with a balanced combination of engineered, green, and non-engineered measures, which together are robust to uncertainty and adaptive to different flooding scenarios under conditions of climate change.
This TDD on IUFRM is the second edition of a learning series that convened practitioners from around the world to learn from each other and from international and Japanese experiences. Through five days of interactive learning and exchange, the TDD participants gained a better understanding of IUFRM through exploring four key topics: (i) urban flood risk assessment and communication processes, (ii) the planning and prioritization of flood risk reduction investments, (iii) the implementation of these investments, and (iv) operation and maintenance of these investments with a view to sustainability.
In Tokyo, participants walked around in different neighborhoods to learn about various aspects of water and flood management. The neighborhoods, located in Sumida ward, included Hikifune (to learn about community-based rainwater harvesting), Tokyo Skytree neighborhood (private sector engagement for water-resilient commercial and community design), and Ryogoku neighborhood (city-led rainwater harvesting for public facilities and spaces). In Kobe, participants visited Nakatottei Pump Station, Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, and Coastal Levee and drew lessons on IURFM, seismic resiliency, and the interrelationships between them. In Osaka, Matsubara Minami Balancing Reservoir/Wake Underground Reservoir was visited by the delegates to get an understanding of comprehensive flood control in Neyagawa district.