Living with floods: strengthening adaptation and preparedness through better risk communication

Europe has been experiencing catastrophic floods. On October 19, 2024, the city of Bologna located in the Emilia-Romagna region, in central-northern Italy received 180 mm of rainfall – its average for September and October – within just 24 hours, with an intensity typical of summer thunderstorms. The region has yet barely recovered from severe flooding and landslides caused by the Storm Boris in September 18-19, 2024. These recent events followed the worst Emilia-Romagna's flood in a century, in May 2023, which resulted in 17 deaths and an estimated 8.5 billion euro in damages cost. With severe storms and their accompanying devastating floods projected to become more frequent and intense, and with an increasing concentration of people living close to rivers, Europe must urgently scale up its adaptation efforts. Understanding the preparedness of flood-prone regions and their populations is therefore crucial. 

A recent survey among 1,795 residents of Emilia-Romagna conducted in July 2024 (after the devastating flood events in May 2023) investigated their flood risk awareness and preparedness to face such crises. The survey reveals that most respondents were unprepared for flood event and that providing accessible information on local flood risk can play a vital role in bolstering personal adaptation measures. Respondents reported that providing educational resources on flood preparedness and the provision of guidance on flood prevention and management are also fundamental to effective flood responses and enhanced citizens’ resilience. Effective risk communication can also generate a spillover effect, fostering broader climate awareness and a commitment to mitigation. We therefore envisage that adaptation initiatives must prioritize citizen involvement and access to reliable flood risk information. Engaging citizens as active participants in adaptation planning ensures that strategies align with local needs and are more likely to gain public support. In this way Europe can create more resilient communities and stimulate meaningful climate action.