3. Emergency Response Preparedness (ERP) and Coordination
WP3: Emergency Response Preparedness (ERP) and Coordination
Record rainfalls due to slow-moving low pressure systems above Western Europe and unprecedented flash flooding in July 2021 caused catastrophic damage in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. There is increasing scientific evidence that such extreme weather events will only become more common in future due to climate change and therefore it is important to consider what could be done in order to improve emergency response and coordination capacities in all countries. By drawing lessons learned from the recent floods as well as other contexts, we aim to understand how to develop existing emergency response strategies and capacity further by integrating the dimensions (flood levels etc.) as experienced during the 2021 floods. In doing so, we will:
- Assess/analyse cross-sectoral (local, national, and EU level) response coordination capacity and preparedness of emergency response authorities across different regions;
- Examine how communication and coordination takes place between emergency response actors at different levels;
- Assess how risk perception and crisis communication (incl. risk profiles, warnings, risk communication, insurance coverage etc.) inform strategies and action of emergency responders;
- Reflect on the role of citizens and volunteers in supporting emergency response efforts;
- Enhance the preparedness of local communities and official responders through systematic training and capacity development measures, e.g. appropriate tabletop / simulation exercises (physical and virtual, including serious games approaches).
Team Members
UNU-EHS
- Joerg Szarzynski
- Teodora Stojanovic
UNU-MERIT
- Thomas Baar
- Bartel Van de Walle
- Paul Toll
