Strengthening flood resilience by integrating flood risk management into local governance frameworks

Key Learnings

• Adaptation Planning: The framework of self-protection plans ensures that flood-prone municipalities can systematically assess, plan, and implement risk reduction measures.
• Early Warning Systems: Integrating real-time rainfall and streamflow observations improves emergency risk prediction, municipal response and population warning.
• Community Engagement: Active collaboration between municipalities, local authorities and regional governments increases public awareness and preparedness for flood risks.
• Ongoing Improvement: Regular plan evaluations and training sessions with local authorities and local workers strengthen the efficiency of emergency response actions.

Summary

After the devastating flood event in Navarra in December 2021, 17 municipalities in the region came together to develop tailor-made self-protection plans. These efforts have strengthened local emergency preparedness, integrated digital monitoring tools, and fostered collaboration between municipalities and the regional Civil Protection Service.

These newly developed Local Emergency plans provide a consistent, practical framework that increases preparedness when a flood threatens a town in Navarra. The plans include defined thresholds (based on observed rainfall and/or streamflow), pre-defined actions, a mass SMS alert system, and social media communications to the local population.

Quick response, clear actions, and effective communication are essential in areas like Navarra, which are frequently impacted by storm events. Despite the growing risks posed by climate change, Navarra’s proactive approach serves as a model for other regional adaptation strategies.

Contact

Luis Sanz Azcárate
Gestión Ambiental de Navarra S.A.
E-Mail: lsanzazcgan-nik [dot] es (lsanzazc[at]gan-nik[dot]es)

Arantxa Ursua Andrés
Climate Change Office of Navarre. Government of Navarre
E-Mail: arantxa [dot] ursua [dot] andresnavarra [dot] es