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https://theconversation.com/to-stop-risky-developments-in-floodplains-we-have-to-tackle-the-profit-motive-and-our-false-sense-of-security-184062>
"In the aftermath of destructive floods, we often seek out someone to blame.
Common targets are the “negligent local council”, the “greedy developer”, “the
builder cutting corners”, and the “foolish home owner.” Unfortunately, it’s not
that simple, as Sydney’s huge floods make clear.
In flood risk management, there’s a well-known idea called the “levee effect.”
Floodplain expert Gilbert White popularised it in 1945 by demonstrating how
building flood control measures in the Mississippi catchment contributed to
increased flood damage. People felt more secure knowing a levee was nearby, and
developers built further into the flood plains. When levees broke or were
overtopped, much more development was exposed and the damages were magnified.
“Dealing with floods in all their capricious and violent aspects is a problem
in part of adjusting human occupance,” White wrote.
The levee effect shows why it’s so hard to reduce flood risk, even in areas hit
hardest by this year’s record-breaking floods. The NSW town of Lismore had a 10
metre levee, experience dealing with many floods, and a flood risk management
plan. It was devastated regardless.
To tackle flood risk, we have to respond to the social, political, economic,
and environmental factors that drive development and occupation of
floodplains."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
