Flood

Injury to life, health or damage that may occur in floodplains. In those, we can distinguish several levels of risk depending on the severity of damage to be feared, taking into account the flooding height, flow velocity (for the flooding considered) and the vulnerability of exposed sites.

Usually refers to caution in action. More specifically it is a constitutional principle, included in the Environmental Charter (Article 5): "When the occurrence of any damage, although uncertain in current scientific knowledge, may be so serious and irreversible for the environment, public authorities shall, by application of the precautionary principle and in their areas of responsibilities, develop procedures for risk assessment and take provisional and proportionate measures to preclude the occurrence of the damage".

Analysis aiming to determine the expected flood characteristics: flow, level, time of onset and duration of these floods at different sites in the drainage basin. Modelling is used for this purpose. The forecasts are based on series of statistical analyses of historical floods and on the knowledge of flood storage areas.

Plan for delimiting, at municipal or inter-municipal level, areas exposed to predictable natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, avalanches or ground movements. The Risk Exposure Plan (REP) sets out the appropriate measures to prevent

Document for responding quickly and efficiently to a water hazard (accidental pollution, flood, drought, etc). The Prefect is responsible for the emergency preparedness plan.

Fragility and susceptibility when facing a given hazard or a given pressure.

Document that establishes a public easement affecting land use. It allows the administration to oppose any action or work likely to impede the free flow of water or the conservation or floodplains.

Nature, occurrence, intensity and duration of a threatening phenomenon.