Author(s): Markus Eder; Monique Retallick; Mikayla Ward; Duncan Mcluckie; Mark Babister
Linked Author(s): Mark Babister, Monique Retallick, Mikayla Ward, Duncan McLuckie
Keywords: Risk Management Flood Risk Index Floodplain Management Climate Change Vulnerability
Abstract: This study develops an urban flood risk index to assess flood risks across towns by integrating current and future hazard exposure with socio-economic factors. The methodology calculates a Current Flood Risk Index (CFRI) and a Climate Change Flood Risk Index (CCFRI), which are combined to derive a Final Flood Risk Index for towns in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The CFRI includes ten indicators, such as the number and percentage of buildings in high-hazard areas during a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP), age distribution, Annual Average Damage (AAD), and flood warning factors. The CCFRI incorporates three indicators: one assessing climate change’s impact on flood probabilities and the other two measuring the difference in affected buildings between the 1% AEP and Probable Maximum Flood (PMF), and the percentage increase in affected buildings. Z-scores are calculated for each indicator, ensuring comparability across towns. Preliminary results from ten towns in NSW provide insights into their current and future flood risks. The Total Flood Risk Index combines both current and future risks, while individual indices offer focused analysis. This index aids authorities in identifying high-risk areas, optimizing resource allocation, and developing targeted mitigation strategies to enhance urban resilience to floods.
Year: 2025