π Hazard
JRC/CEMS present-scenario river-flood depth GeoTIFFs clipped to each case-study NUTS area and aligned to the LUISA grid.
CLIMATE HAZARD RISK ASSESSMENT
Fluvial Flood
Regional River-Flood Risk Assessment
This chapter implements the tested CLIMAAX river-flood risk workflow for the five ClimEmpower regions. Pre-processed present-condition river-flood depth maps are combined with LUISA 2018 land use, JRC depth-damage curves and maximum damage values using DamageScanner.
The ClimEmpower adaptation is limited to regional batch processing, GeoTIFF export, selected return periods and present-condition hazard maps. The output is direct physical economic damage in EUR per raster cell for specified flood-event magnitudes; it is not an H Γ E Γ V index and it is not expected annual damage.
RP10 Β· RP100 Β· RP500Present-condition river-flood depth scenarios; RP250 only if RP500 is unavailable
EUR / raster cellDirect physical economic damage output from DamageScanner
METHOD OVERVIEW
Regional River-Flood Risk Assessment
DamageScanner calculates direct physical economic loss for each flooded raster cell. The damage fraction at the modelled flood depth is multiplied by the GDP-scaled maximum damage value and the exposed cell area.
ΖDamage fractionat modelled flood depth
Γ
β¬Maximum damageEUR / mΒ²
Γ
mΒ²Exposed cell areamΒ²
=
β¬Direct damageEUR / raster cell
DamageScanner calculation and input structure for the fluvial flood direct-damage maps.
πΊοΈ Exposure
LUISA 2018 categorical land-use raster at 100 m resolution.
β¬ Vulnerability & Asset Values
JRC residential, commercial and industrial depth-damage curves plus regional LUISA composition and GDP-scaled maximum damage values.
DAMAGE OUTPUT
EUR / cell
Fluvial Flood Damage Output
The river-flood workflow calculates direct physical economic damage for specified return periods. DamageScanner combines flood depth, LUISA land use, JRC depth-damage curves and GDP-scaled maximum damage values. The result is exported as EUR per raster cell, not as an H Γ E Γ V index.
Interpretation note
Maps show spatial hotspots and the order of direct physical economic loss for a specified event magnitude. They are not expected annual damage and exclude indirect losses, insured losses, casualties, recovery costs and wider macroeconomic effects.
WORKFLOW STEP
1. Prepare and align data
Flood depth + land use β aligned 100 m gridHazard
River-flood depth GeoTIFFs
Present-condition JRC/CEMS flood-depth maps clipped to each case-study NUTS area. RP250 is used only if RP500 is unavailable. Unit: metres.
JRC/CEMSExposure
LUISA 2018 land use
Categorical land-use raster aligned with the flood-depth grid.
LUISA 2018Common analysis grid
100 m aligned grid
Clip both inputs to the case-study NUTS area and align flood depth to the 100 m LUISA grid while preserving categorical land-use classes.
CLIMAAX workflow adapted for ClimEmpowerWORKFLOW STEP
2. Derive vulnerability by land-use class
Depthβdamage curves + land-use composition + asset valuesDepthβdamage curves
JRC damage functions
Residential, commercial and industrial damage fractions vary with modelled flood depth.
JRC depth-damage curvesLand-use composition
Regional LUISA workbook
Defines the residential, commercial and industrial composition used for each LUISA class.
Regional LUISA workbookMaximum asset value
GDP-scaled maximum damage
Maximum asset values are scaled using adopted regional GDP per capita estimates.
Eurostat nama_10r_3gdp, unit EUR_HABWORKFLOW STEP
3. Calculate and export direct damage
Direct damage = damage fraction Γ maximum damage Γ exposed cell areaDamage fraction
Fraction at modelled flood depth
DamageScanner obtains the land-use-specific damage fraction from the JRC depthβdamage relationship at the modelled flood depth.
JRC depth-damage curves / DamageScannerMaximum damage
Maximum asset damage
The applicable GDP-scaled maximum damage value for the exposed land-use class.
Regional LUISA workbook + Eurostat scalingExposed cell area
Flood-exposed raster area
The exposed area of the raster cell converts the damage value per square metre into direct economic loss per cell.
Aligned hazard and LUISA gridβ Interpret as direct physical economic loss for a specified flood-event magnitude. Excludes expected annual damage, indirect losses, insured losses, casualties, recovery costs and wider macroeconomic effects.
Cell loss = damage fraction at modelled depth Γ maximum damage (EUR/mΒ²) Γ exposed cell area.
Risk map factsheetOpen the sector-specific infographic without leaving this page.
HHazard Inputs1 variable+
Present-condition river-flood depth
JRC/CEMS depth GeoTIFFs for RP10, RP100 and RP500; RP250 only if RP500 is unavailable.
DATA SOURCEJRC/CEMS
RESOLUTIONAligned to 100 m LUISA grid
EExposure Inputs1 variable+
LUISA 2018 Land Use
Categorical land-use raster used to identify exposed land-use classes.
DATA SOURCELUISA 2018
RESOLUTION100 m
VVulnerability & Economic Inputs2 variables+
DepthβDamage Curves
Residential, commercial and industrial functions relating flood depth to damage fraction.
DATA SOURCEJRC
RESOLUTIONFunction / land-use composition
Maximum Damage Values
Regional maximum asset values in EUR/mΒ², scaled by GDP per capita.
DATA SOURCERegional LUISA workbook + Eurostat nama_10r_3gdp
RESOLUTIONEUR/mΒ²
SEPARATE HAZARD MODULE
Pluvial Flood in Andalusia
This is a separate pluvial-flood hazard module for Andalusia. It explains how rainfall-driven surface flooding was modelled for the Costa del Sol case study. Its methods and local information are not used elsewhere on the website.
HAZARD-MAPPING WORKFLOW
From intense rainfall to usable flood maps
Follow the modelling chain used for the Andalusian pluvial-flood assessment.
Pluvial flood infographicOpen the pluvial-flood methodology infographic without leaving this page.
Rainfallobservations
β
IDFextreme rainfall
β
Design Stormselected return period
β
2D Modelwater movement
β
Flood Mapsdepth & hazard
STEP 1
Analyse rainfall observations
Rainfall observations from the MΓ‘laga Airport gauge (6155A), available from 10-minute to 24-hour resolution, are quality-controlled and statistically analysed to derive extreme rainfall intensities and IDF curves.
STEP 2
Build a design storm
IDF information is used to construct a synthetic design rainfall event for a selected return period. ClimEmpower used design storms of approximately five hours.
STEP 3
Run the 2D hydrodynamic model
The MIKE software suite is used to simulate rainfallβrunoff processes and the movement and accumulation of water across a two-dimensional computational mesh, with urban drainage information included where available.
STEP 4
Produce and interpret flood maps
The model outputs spatially distributed water depth and flow velocity, which are processed into flood-depth maps and people/vehicle hazard maps.
MAP OUTPUTS
Two complementary ways to read flood hazard
Flood Depth Maps
Estimated maximum water depth for the selected design rainfall scenario.
People & Vehicle Hazard Maps
Depth and velocity are combined and classified into Low, Medium and High hazard according to the documented pedestrian/vehicle stability thresholds.
10year
100year
500year
Design rainfall scenarios
Select the map corresponding to the return period being assessed.
EXPLORE THE RESULTS
View real maps βView the ClimEmpower flood maps
Open the ClimEmpower dashboard to explore the available interactive maps and project results.
Interpret with uncertainty
The maps are model-based estimates, not exact predictions. Interpretation should consider uncertainty in rainfall observations and extreme-value statistics, design-storm assumptions, terrain and land-surface data, roughness and infiltration parameters, drainage-network completeness, model calibration/validation and future climate projections.
Public awareness, information, education and communication
Society & Educationβ Inform citizens and visitors about major hazards through meetings, training, websites, brochures and other communication channels.
Regions: SicilyAnalyse social perception of coastal climate-change effects
Society & Educationβ Assess perceptions and attitudes towards coastal flood risks and acceptance of adaptation measures to support participation and implementation.
Regions: Central GreeceGreen Stormwater Infrastructure
Environment & Natureβ Use bioswales, vegetated swales and rain gardens to increase infiltration and filter stormwater before it reaches water bodies.
Regions: OBZEngineered Flood Protection
Infrastructureβ Use flood barriers, retention basins and water-diversion systems to retain, divert or block excess water and reduce flood damage.
Regions: OBZ, AndalusAnti-flood Retention Tanks
Infrastructureβ Temporarily store stormwater during heavy rainfall, cut peak flows and gradually release water back into the network.
Regions: Central GreeceWater-Resistant Materials
Infrastructureβ Use water-resistant materials, raised electrical systems and floodproof finishes to reduce damage and speed recovery.
Regions: OBZAgricultural Drainage
Infrastructureβ Establish drainage networks to reduce waterlogging, flood duration and crop losses in flood-prone areas.
Regions: OBZResilient Transport Assets
Infrastructureβ Upgrade and maintain roads, bridges, railways and public transport assets to reduce weather-related disruption.
Regions: OBZWater Squares
Infrastructureβ Use suitable central urban spaces to store stormwater, cut peak flows and reduce overflow incidents.
Regions: TroodosFlood-Resilient Buildings
Infrastructureβ Elevate foundations or critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas so essential structures remain operational during floods.
Regions: OBZ, SicilyWater Network Flow and Quality Modelling Tools
Infrastructureβ Model water-supply and sewerage networks under flood conditions to identify vulnerabilities and support targeted investments and emergency planning.
Regions: Central Greece, SicilyBypass / Diversion Channels
Infrastructureβ Redirect part of the flow away from densely built-up areas to reduce flood levels and increase hydraulic capacity.
Regions: Central GreeceFilter Drains
Infrastructureβ Use subsurface pipe-and-gravel drains to collect and convey stormwater from roads and paved areas, reducing ponding and local flooding.
Regions: Central GreeceIncrease Pumping Capacity
Infrastructureβ Upgrade pumping stations and deploy mobile pumps to drain low-lying areas faster and limit flood damage.
Regions: Central GreeceIncrease Sewer-Drainage Capacity
Infrastructureβ Upgrade sewer and drainage capacity and add bypasses and balancing tanks to reduce backflows, overflows and road flooding.
Regions: Central GreeceIncrease the Network of Waterways
Infrastructureβ Restore and expand waterways and streams to improve flood conveyance and natural hydraulic continuity.
Regions: Central GreeceInspect and Clean Drains and Sewer Pipes
Infrastructureβ Remove debris, sediment and roots to restore hydraulic capacity and reduce blockages and local flooding.
Regions: Central Greece, AndalusMunicipal Reclaimed Water for Industrial Use and Aquifer Recharge
Infrastructureβ Reuse treated wastewater to release sewer-system capacity and improve the water balance, indirectly reducing flood pressures.
Regions: Central GreeceRainwater First-Flush Diversion
Infrastructureβ Divert and store the first flush from roofs to reduce sewer loads during storms and improve water quality.
Regions: SicilyIntegrated Urban Water Management
Infrastructureβ Manage excess stormwater and water scarcity together through efficient infrastructure to reduce urban flooding and support reliable water supply.
Regions: SicilyNature-Based Water Management
Environment & Natureβ Use rain gardens, bioswales and permeable pavements to reduce stormwater runoff and urban flood risk while providing co-benefits.
Regions: OBZEnhancing Flood Resilience in Agriculture
Environment & Natureβ Use terraced farming or raised planting beds to protect crops from flooding and improve drainage.
Regions: OBZPermeable Pavement & Surfaces
Environment & Natureβ Use permeable materials in streets, driveways and pavements to increase infiltration, reduce runoff and ease pressure on drainage systems.
Regions: OBZ, Sicily, AndalusEcosystem Waterways & Wetlands
Environment & Natureβ Restore rivers, lakes, wetlands and ponds to absorb excess rainfall, provide flood storage and improve water quality.
Regions: OBZFloodplain Restoration & Control Infrastructure
Environment & Natureβ Restore floodplains and combine them with flood-control infrastructure to protect urban areas and increase natural water-retention capacity.
Regions: OBZ, Sicily, AndalusBuffer Strips & Bioswales
Environment & Natureβ Use vegetated strips, bioswales and bioretention areas to slow runoff, trap sediment and attenuate local flood peaks.
Regions: Central Greece, TroodosSemi-Natural / Artificial Wetlands & Retention Tanks
Environment & Natureβ Construct wetlands and retention tanks in flash-runoff areas to retain and filter stormwater and reduce flood risk.
Regions: Troodos, OBZ, AndalusAfforestation & Naturally Vegetated Land
Environment & Natureβ Reforest and preserve vegetation in sensitive catchments to slow runoff, stabilise soils, increase infiltration and regulate floods.
Regions: Central Greece, Sicily, AndalusManaged Realignment / Alkborough Flats
Environment & Natureβ Allow intentional flooding of suitable low-lying land to create tidal wetlands, store floodwater and reduce tidal surge heights.
Regions: Central GreeceBioretention Areas
Environment & Natureβ Use shallow vegetated basins to capture, filter and slowly release stormwater, reducing peak runoff and delaying flooding.
Regions: Central Greece, SicilyInfiltration Basins / Surfaces
Environment & Natureβ Temporarily store stormwater and infiltrate it into the ground to reduce runoff and surface-water flooding.
Regions: Central GreeceFilter Strips
Environment & Natureβ Use vegetated strips between urban surfaces and water bodies to intercept runoff, trap sediments and attenuate peak flows.
Regions: Central GreeceFilter Trenches
Environment & Natureβ Use gravel-filled trenches to collect and infiltrate stormwater before it enters drainage networks.
Regions: Central GreeceNatural Coastal Protection
Environment & Natureβ Use natural coastal protection such as dunes and other natural barriers to reduce the intensity of coastal flooding and storm surges.
Regions: AndalusUrban Forests and Parks
Environment & Natureβ Increase urban green areas to absorb rainfall, delay runoff and reduce impermeable surfaces.
Regions: SicilyEmergency Response Plans and Procedures
Governance & Planningβ Establish and operationalise emergency plans with authorities, decision-makers, businesses and citizens, incorporating evolving climate knowledge.
Regions: OBZ, Central GreeceEmergency Transport Systems
Governance & Planningβ Prepare alternative routes, backup fuel supplies and emergency transit plans to maintain essential mobility during disruptions.
Regions: OBZClimate-Conscious Land-Use Planning
Governance & Planningβ Use zoning, floodplain building restrictions and river setbacks to reduce long-term exposure of people and assets.
Regions: Central Greece, Sicily, OBZData Collection for Flood Recovery
Governance & Planningβ Collect post-flood data on extent, damages, recovery times and high-water marks to improve impact assessment and future mapping.
Regions: Central Greece, Sicily, AndalusFlood Rescue Plan
Governance & Planningβ Define roles, procedures, equipment, safe routes and assembly points to improve rescue coordination and reduce casualties.
Regions: Central Greece, Sicily, OBZCommunity Flood Plans
Governance & Planningβ Develop preparedness plans with residents, volunteers and local authorities to strengthen readiness, self-protection and recovery.
Regions: Central Greece, Sicily, AndalusFlood Risk Mapping & Modelling Studies
Governance & Planningβ Use hydrological and hydraulic modelling to identify flood zones, vulnerabilities and exposures and support prioritisation.
Regions: Central Greece, AndalusMulti-Hazard Early Warning Systems
Governance & Planningβ Combine monitoring, forecasting, communication and response protocols to provide timely alerts and reduce losses.
Regions: Central Greece, AndalusImprove Flood Forecasting
Governance & Planningβ Use denser monitoring networks, radar/nowcasting and coupled models to provide more accurate and timely warnings.
Regions: Central GreeceOnline Climate Information Platforms
Governance & Planningβ Provide climate and weather data, warnings and self-protection guidance online to support faster flood-related decisions.
Regions: Central GreeceResilience Action Plan
Governance & Planningβ Coordinate prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures in one action plan to improve policy coherence and investment priorities.
Regions: Central GreeceSet or Update Flood Hazard Maps
Governance & Planningβ Update flood hazard maps using new data, climate scenarios and implemented measures to support planning, permitting and risk communication.
Regions: Central Greece, AndalusAdapt Insurance Policies to Climate Adaptation Strategy
Governance & Planningβ Include flood-related risks in insurance arrangements to strengthen institutional financial resilience and preparedness.
Regions: SicilyAdapt Urban Planning Regulations
Governance & Planningβ Update urban-planning regulations so they support climate-change mitigation and adaptation goals and targets.
Regions: OBZHow measures reduce risk
Adaptation measures can reduce risk by changing hazard, exposure and/or vulnerability, depending on the measure and local context. The effect should be linked to the relevant risk component rather than assumed in advance.