Author(s): Ana Margarida Bento; Florian Cordier; Alan Cuthbertson; Benjamin Dewals; Michalis Diakakis; Cristiana Di Cristo; Gordon Gilja; Hossein Hamidifar; Stefan Haun; Janek Laanearu; Melissa Latella; P. Amparo Lopez-Jimenez; Eda Majtan; Cristina Prieto Sierra; Elena Pummer; Pawel M. Rowinski; Kai Schroter; Anastasios I. Stamou; Laura Stancanelli

Linked Author(s): Pawel M. Rowinski, Ana Margarida Lopes Saraiva Alves Bento, Stefan Haun, Gordon Gilja, Elena Pummer, Anastasios I. Stamou, Alan J S Cuthbertson, Benjamin J. Dewals, Melissa Latella, Janek Laanearu, Cristiana Di Cristo

Keywords: No Keywords

Abstract: A comparative analysis of catastrophic European floods (2007–2025) identifies core vulnerabilities that shape climate-resilient governance. This study focuses on high-impact riverine and flash floods, using standardized descriptors of hazard, exposure, vulnerability and governance to reveal five recurring drivers of impact amplification: short-duration, high-intensity rainfall linked to persistent synoptic blocks; rapid urban expansion and inadequate drainage; fragilities in critical infrastructure; gaps in the usability of early-warning systems; and regional disparities in vulnerability and recovery. These findings highlight the need for climate‑proofed design standards, impact‑based warning systems, improved basin‑scale coordination and risk‑aware spatial planning across Europe.

DOI:

Year: 2026