Alleviating floods in the Morava River Basin

A devastating flood in the Morava Catchment in 1997 caused widespread damage. The total cost of the losses and reconstruction was estimated at approximately USD 1.5-3 billion.

Following this, various stakeholders proposed a wide range of mitigation measures. We helped to analyse the efficiency of these measures in relation to the required investments. To do this, we used state-of-the-art tools for flood damage assessments. We also carried out cost-benefit analyses and Environmental Impact Assessments. More than 1,000 flood maps were prepared in the process, which included extensive training in the technologies applied.

Our analyses showed that a combination of measures would provide adequate and economically feasible protection against future flood. This plan formed the basis for negotiations between the Government of the Czech Republic and the European Investment Bank. The result: considerable loans to finance the implementation.
We have continued assisting the authorities with detailed planning and additional studies.

These include:

• two dimensional analyses of the erosion/sedimentation around proposed structures
• evaluation of the monitoring and warning systems in the area
• preparation of flood information material