What are flash floods
Floods are the most common and most costly natural disasters in Europe.
They are becoming more frequent and intensive due to climate change and have devastating effects, endangering lives and leading to heavy economic losses. Floods can also release pollutants stored in the ground, spreading them even more widely.
A flash, or pluvial, flood occurs when an extreme rainfall event within a short amount of time creates an intense, high-velocity torrent of water. This can happen near a river or lake or far away, as a result of rainfall within the vicinity or on nearby elevated terrain. They can be very dangerous and destructive, because of the force of the water, and the debris, like trees or cars, it carries.
Flash floods can also overlap with River floods and/ or Coastal floods, caused by storm surges.
Climate Adaptation Actions & Resources
Step 1: Explore what others are doing
Explore how other regions or local communities are responding to the challenge.
 First workshop with the stakeholders in Troskotovice municipality. Sandra Fatorić, Dita Tesarova, Policy Support Facility Experts, Covenant of Mayors Europe. | The Municipality of Troskotovice is leading climate adaptation using a targeted approach to protect its roads. |
 Parco del Mare Comune di Rimini | Rimini in Italy is protecting bathing water quality from sewage overflow. |
 Waterfall to prevent the rapid flow of water Viimsi Municipality | Estonia is using Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) after sealed surfaces and heavy rains increased flood risk in the Estonian municipality. |
 Creative workshop with Newtownstewart community participants in July 2024. University College Cork | Building a blueprint for flood risk communication Northern Ireland is using “The Collaborative Art”, a sound and light installation to highlight the impacts that communities face from flooding. |
Find these and many other examples through case studies and adaptation stories.
Step 2: Implement concrete actions
Start planning concrete actions to address your city´s unique challenges.
The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change documents actions to reduce the impact of flooding, each describing costs and benefits, legal aspects for implementation, and referring to implemented case studies. Some of the actions which can be implemented at the urban or municipal level are:
 Skyline view of a green Hamburg Treibhaus Landschaftsarchitektur and Mathias Friedel | Urban greening and blue infrastructure planning Hamburg´s 2014 Green Roof Strategy based on four pillars: financial incentive, dialogue, regulation, and science. |
Water sensitive urban and building design Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) applied in the refurbishment of the Gomeznarro park in Madrid |
Step 3: Assess planned actions
Assess the effectiveness of your planned actions.
The REGILIENCE self-assessment tool can help avoid the negative effects of adaptation actions that increase vulnerability, diminish well-being, or undermine sustainable development. It’s available in 10 languages!
Step 4: Find funding opportunities
Find the right funding sources for your needs.
Access information on funding sources from EU institutions, agencies, and Member States in the Mission Portal´s funding database to support your flood adaptation strategies.
Step 5: Download the Quick Guide for Flash Floods
Floods are the most common and most costly natural disasters in Europe. They are becoming more frequent and intensive due to climate change and have devastating effects, endangering lives and leading to heavy economic losses. Floods can also release pollutants stored in the ground and spread them even more widely. Download this quick guide to read about the concrete actions that can be implemented on the ground to tackle flash floods.
Major flash floods in recent years
July 2021
In central Greece, Storm Daniel Flood had significant impacts on crop and livestock production.
September 2023
In Germany and Belgium, EUR 50 billion in damages, with critical infrastructure impacted, led to quickly rising flash floods in small and steep catchments.
November 2024
In Valencia, Spain, a flash flood caused 224 deaths with almost half of the victims being over 70. The aftermath and recovery required EUR 4 billion.