Flood Vulnerability Mapping: A Case Study of Okoko Basin, Osogbo

This study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing approach to analyze the flood vulnerability areas in the Okoko basin area of Osogbo in Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria. High-resolution imageries, a Topographic map of the study area and a TCX software program (Version 2.0) were integrated using ArcGis (10.7). Some of the causative factors for flooding in the watershed were taken into account which are: Land use, Distance of buildings to drainage, Digital Elevation Model, and Slope. This study aimed at mapping the flood-vulnerable areas along the Okoko basin of Osogbo. In developing a flood risk/flood hazard map of the study area, and determining the level of expected disaster, a multi-criteria analysis was utilized. The factors considered were ranked in five classes with the highly vulnerable areas having the highest score of “5”. These factors were weighed according to the estimated significance of causing flooding. The study revealed that the study area has an estimated area of 17.85 km2 of which 14.2 km2 falls within the vulnerable areas while 3.6 km2 is on the least vulnerable areas. Moreover, out of 16,829 buildings in the study area, 8204 buildings were found susceptible to flood disasters. This research attempts to equip decision-makers to make accurate decisions and also serves as a mitigation measure for flood disaster management.

Methods and Tools Supporting Urban Resilience Planning: Experiences from Cork, Ireland

To prevent flood disasters, policymakers call for resilient cities which are better able to cope with flood hazards. However, actual adoption of resilience measures in urban planning is still limited, partly because it is not sufficiently clear how and to what extent resilience should and can be enhanced. To develop resilience strategies, information on the current resilience and on the effects of measures should be available. Since cities are complex systems, an assessment of resilience requires the input of different actors. To obtain and combine this input, a comprehensive approach which brings together many actors is required. Furthermore, resilience must be integrated in planning frameworks in order to enhance adoption by city policy makers. Tools which support and structure the contribution of different disciplines and actors will help to obtain information on the current resilience and to develop a shared vision on measures to enhance urban resilience. We illustrate our view with an example on Cork, Ireland.

Towards Sustainable Flood Risk Management

Sustainable development means doing more with less;this requires change from existing practices. We must make improvements and learn, in the face of those changes that are occurring because we have not delivered sustainable development up until now. So we seek to make changes in the context of changes. This paper focuses on the question of “how” we do more with less and develops the concept of adopting a systemic approach, recognizing that we are dealing with dynamic, highly interconnected systems.

Science and Technology Networks: A Helping Hand to Boost Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030?

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 underlines the importance of Science and Technology(S&T) and S&T networks for effective disaster risk reduction(DRR). The knowledge of existing S&T networks and their exact role in DRR,however, is limited. This opinion piece initiates a discussion on the role of S&T networks in the implementation of the Sendai Framework. The article highlights that current practice is oriented towards a narrative that emphasizes the potential of S&T for DRR and stresses a collaborative approach delivered through networks. But a true understanding of whether and how S&T networks can mobilize and enable S&T for DRR is missing. We call for a review of existing S&T networks for DRR and the development of good practice guidelines on S&T networks for DRR. This review should include knowledge on how to overcome common challenges and maximize the benefits, along with a framework for successful evaluation of such networks.This knowledge would provide much needed guidance for existing and emerging networks.