The flood management approach accepts that certain parts of the landscape will occasionally be flooded and seeks to reduce the ultimate cost to society. This includes taking measures to prevent floods from becoming disasters, anticipating worst-case scenarios, and identifying opportunities for conveying the resultant flood wave through the river system in a safe and largely predictable manner. The approach incorporates structural measures, but only as part of a larger strategy that includes: (i) flood proofing important structures and implementing land use controls; (ii) establishing flood forecasting, risk assessment, and warning systems; (iii) preparing emergency responses and flood recovery measures; and (iv) creating financial incentives such as flood insurance and eco-compensation. Risk assessment is essential for flood management, and the project significantly improved the Songliao Water Resources Commission's (SWRC) capacity for flood forecasting and risk assessment through the development of the Songhua River Basin Flood Management System.
Songhua River Flood Management Sector Project