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The necessity of implementing river and channel management and safety projects in populated areas in line with the national disaster Risk reduction program
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Fatemeh Falahati *   |
| Department of Hydrological Risks Research and member of the faculty of the Natural Disasters Research Institute, Tehran, Iran. |
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Abstract: (100 Views) |
Objective: In recent years, the increasing occurrence of extreme events and climate change, together with the expansion of human activities and encroachment upon natural environments, has led to a significant rise in flood-related damages. Rural settlements, in particular, due to characteristics such as geographical location, environmental conditions, spatial–physical structure, and level of access to services, typically experience the greatest losses during hazard events.
Method: Accordingly, this study examines the flood vulnerability of rural settlements based on analyses of field survey results from 1,418 villages nationwide. After identifying the frequency of proposed mitigation measures, one representative village was selected for detailed assessment, including flood-protection planning and hydrological and hydraulic modeling.
Results: The findings indicate that 1,169 of the surveyed villages are exposed to flood hazards, with river and channel regulation emerging as the most frequently proposed mitigation strategy.
Conclusion: Given the widespread inappropriate site selection, uncontrolled development along river corridors, and noncompliance with riverbed and floodplain setback regulations—along with the substantial costs associated with post-flood recovery and rehabilitation—proactive planning and preventive action are essential. In alignment with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Program, priority measures should include mainstreaming risk-reduction considerations into development planning, implementing river and channel stabilization and safety projects within populated areas, and removing illegal encroachments from riverbeds and floodplains. These actions are critical for effective flood risk management.
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| Keywords: Flood, River Corridor, Safety Measures, River Management, Hydraulic Modeling. |
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Full-Text [PDF 2295 kb]
(240 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/09/28 | Accepted: 2026/01/12 | Published: 2026/01/12
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