Challenges in geohydrological risk management: floods first response, modelling and resilience in action

About

The Mediterranean basin and a section of Central Europe represent a substantial continental region that is susceptible to geohydrological hazards, mainly heavy rain inundation, torrential and flash floods, an observation that is clearly reflected in the civil protection risk planning guidelines of each country. The recent floods of 2024 and now 2025 had a significant impact on several countries in this region: Spain, Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, causing extensive damage and affecting thousands of people, including the loss of human lives. The expected increase on severe storms, inadequacy of early warnings, prevention plans and mitigation measures has become glaringly apparent.

It is imperative that risk-informed policy, engineering design and investment decisions incorporate principles for resilient infrastructure and foster a culture of maintenance for resilient societies. Consequently, engineers must be prepared to deal with these catastrophes from a multiple perspective that is not limited to flood assessment, but must be able to manage the full extent of the hazard, from flood exploration, hydrodynamic modelling, and promotion of resilience to disasters, to the preparation of prevention, mitigation and evacuation plans. This training activity proposes a holistic perspective that very few academic activities are able to provide.

This course presents a novel approach within the academic domain of geohydrological risk management by integrating challenge-based learning (CBL), serious gaming for disaster resilience, and collaborative GIS and hydrodynamical modelling tools. These innovative methodologies go beyond traditional lecture-based instruction, offering a hands-on, problem-solving framework where participants actively engage with real-world geohydrological challenges. By adopting CBL, students work on practical challenges related to flood exploration, modelling, and resilience-building. This approach fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and decision-making skills essential for managing geohydrological hazards effectively. Additionally, serious gaming enhances experiential learning by simulating crisis scenarios, allowing participants to develop response strategies, resources management, in a in person experience controlled yet dynamic environment.

The use of collaborative GIS and hydrodynamical modelling tools enables real-time simulations mapping, data analysis, early warning strategies test, and scenario planning, reinforcing the practical application of geospatial technologies in flood risk holistic management through the integration several scientific & technic academic disciplines provided by expert's participation. The relevance of this activity to current needs is evident in its response to the increasing frequency and severity of floods due to climate change, rapid urbanisation, and inadequate risk management infrastructure. By equipping future professionals with the skills to assess, model, and mitigate these risks, this activity addresses the urgent need for risk-informed policies, engineering solutions, and community resilience strategies.