The World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) and the Tokyo Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Hub, together with experts from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), are organizing a Technical Deep Dive (TDD) on Urban Flood Management from March 3-7, 2025. Delegations from 11 countries, consisting of approximately 35 representatives from World Bank client countries will participate in this TDD.
Floods are among the most frequent natural hazards, causing over US$1.6 trillion in damages and more than 225,000 deaths globally from 1980 to 2016, especially in urban areas. With rapid urbanization and climate change, flood losses could rise significantly by 2050. To mitigate impacts and enhance city resilience, a mix of gray, green, and blue measures is essential.
This Technical Deep Dive (TDD) event will be held in Tokyo and Kyoto, addressing critical topics such as flood control planning, stakeholder coordination, considerations for investments in flood control infrastructure, the application of grey and green infrastructure, and the maintenance and management of such infrastructure. Participants will attend lectures delivered by experts and practitioners from Japan and other countries, emphasizing comprehensive stormwater management policies and programs. Key subjects will include the development of "rain-resilient cities," with Kyoto City serving as a prime example. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to observe various flood control measures in port areas managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, explore flood retarding basins and rain gardens designed to mitigate urban flooding in Kyoto City, and visit stormwater tunnels and storage facilities in the city.