Flood Problem and Management in South Asia

Flood Problem and Management in South Asia focuses on both the hazard and the vulnerability aspects of floods. This book addresses floods in South Asia from a multidisciplinary approach. The characteristics and nature of the flood problem and its management aspects are examined. It is suggested that flood control and management focused on structural solutions using embankments and reservoirs are insufficient. Effective solutions must go beyond structural measures and require major restructuring of both legal systems and institutions responsible for management. For those people living in the vast flood plains of South Asia to be able to overcome social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities, an adaptive approach to management of flood risks that identifies specific strategies is needed.

The book is undoubtedly of considerable interest to flood experts. It refers to the most difficult area of the globe, where flood hazard is very far from being satisfactorily controlled. It is necessary to live with floods and try to minimize damage. The book is a valuable source of information and data on floods, flood damage and flood protection and management. Also the list of references is useful and comprehensive.

(Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz in Hydrological Sciences Journal, 49: 5, October 2004)