Geographical dimensions of risk management : the contribution of spatial planning and Geo-ICT to risk reduction

Geographical information systems can offer insights into the possibilities for emergency response and the possibilities for self help during a disaster, such as a flooding or explosions. Based on this information, proposed housing areas can be adapted. The building site can be elevated or ‘safe havens’ for shelter can be created. Nevertheless, such information was hardly taken into consideration in local spatial planning practices, especially with respect to flood risks. Local governments did not feel themselves responsible for the reduction of potential flood consequences. As a result, urban developments still take place in flood prone areas. Higher tier governments, safety regions and water boards are therefore called on to pay extra attention to lower-tier governments and to support them through guidelines and recommendation about the management of flood risk and to monitor the implementation of these guidelines and recommendations.