Futures beyond flooding

The Challenge

Flooding affects an average of 250 million people per year. More than any other natural hazard. And when an area floods, it’s the poorest communities who suffer the most.

• Across the world, climate change, growing populations and unsustainable land use are increasing flood risk.
• Many areas lack the technology and skills needed to predict and prevent disaster.
• The disastrous impact of flooding can lead to loss of life, as well as physical and psychological harm
• Women and young girls are worst affected but often have the most to offer in finding solutions for their families and communities.
• Homes and businesses are contaminated with dirty water and debris. Some are completely destroyed, leaving families without a home or an income.
• Villages are left without power and clean water, sometimes for days before relief can reach them.
• Every time a village floods its residents are forced to start over again. This traps them in a poverty cycle.

The Ingenious Solution

For six years we’ve been part of the Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance. Bringing together risk expertise from within the private sector, research institutes and humanitarian and civil society organisations to help rebuild the homes and improve the livelihoods of these vulnerable communities.

• We’ve introduced technology to help local volunteers monitor, predict and evacuate their communities as early as possible before floods happen.
• We’ve provided the tools and knowledge that residents and local business owners need to increase their resilience to future floods, allowing them and their children to thrive in the future.
• Through the Alliance we share what we learn and gain new insight from our partners. By managing the Alliance’s Flood Resilience Portals we help people around the globe find better solutions for building flood resilience.