From today, the Netherlands has updated flood risk maps. These maps provide estimates of where water may flow during various flood scenarios. They also assess the potential impacts on residents, businesses, and cultural heritage. The flood risk maps are part of the six-yearly report to the European Commission. They are now available to everyone via www.risicokaart.nl.
Why are these maps important?
Since 2007, European countries have been required to map flood risks under the EU Floods Directive (ROR). EU member states must update these maps every six years and report on them. However, the importance of current maps goes beyond EU reporting. The information aims to raise awareness and support policy, spatial planning, and crisis preparedness. Specifically, all residents and businesses in the Netherlands can consult these maps, for example, in the recently published booklet “Prepare for an emergency.” The maps can also be used for investments, permitting, evacuation plans, and area development.
What is new?
Compared to the previous publication in 2019, a major update has been made: about 80% of all flood scenarios have been renewed. Many new scenarios have been added, such as floods caused by small streams and waters without dikes. This is because extreme rainfall events occur more frequently due to climate change, increasing the chance of local flooding. Furthermore, flood probabilities have been adjusted because dikes have been reinforced and reassessed in recent years.
Collaboration and future
The new maps were created by the provinces, in close cooperation with water boards, Rijkswaterstaat, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, safety regions, municipalities, the Cultural Heritage Agency, and the Deltares knowledge institute. BIJ12 coordinates the process, compiles the data, and publishes the maps after approval by the Provincial Executive of the provinces.
The collaborating parties continuously update their data. This keeps flood information up to date. The next update of the maps is scheduled for 2031.
Water safety and Brabant
The maps are important for the province of North Brabant because they help shape policy, create spatial plans, and prepare emergency plans. Moreover, the province of North Brabant not only works on flood and extreme rainfall preparedness within Brabant but also collaborates with neighboring countries, water boards, safety regions, and other stakeholders. Water does not respect borders. By sharing knowledge, jointly taking measures, and making emergency plans, we build a safe and climate-resilient future. See the map story (links to another website) about flooding and extreme rainfall