Hossein Bonakdari (English and French)
Associate professor, Faculty of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Heavy rainfall in Ontario and Quebec, sudden warm weather in B.C., trigger flood warnings
"As extreme weather becomes more frequent, we need to be ready for whatever comes our way. Taking prompt measures to lessen the impact of floods and adequately gearing up for any unforeseen contingencies arising from climate change repercussions is of the utmost significance. Investing in flood prevention and climate resilience is the only way forward. We need to act before it's too late.
Stop fighting nature and start working with it! Give rivers the rights they deserve and more room to breathe. Let's trust nature to manage floods and embrace sustainable solutions like Room for the River. Climate change won't wait!"
Mitigating the impact of floods is to reduce or limit the damage caused by floods by taking preventive measures such as:
- building levees, retention ponds, floodways,
- or by using nature-based approaches such as water catchment areas, wetlands, tree plantings, etc.
Preparing adequately involves putting in place contingency plans and risk management strategies to minimize human and economic losses in the event of a flood. This may include:
- the establishment of early warning systems,
- developing evacuation and relief plans,
- as well as awareness raising and training of local communities.