Flood and drought disasters impose a huge toll. Over the last two decades, at least 1.65 billion people have been affected by floods and 1.43 billion by droughts. The economic costs have been staggering and the social costs even higher as the poor and marginalized are disproportionately affected. Hydro-climatic disasters can have intergenerational poverty impacts, spur migration and contribute to geopolitical instability.
Many countries have made significant improvements in managing hydro-climatic risks, supported by international initiatives such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Paris Climate Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. But, more needs to be done. This report is intended to bring awareness of the enormous challenge and potential solutions to a broad audience, as well as offering a practical and detailed guide to help governments improve their flood and drought management systems.
A new perspective, referred to as an "EPIC response" is offered to better manage hydro-climatic risks. This perspective looks at floods and droughts not as independent events, but rather as different ends of the same hydro-climatic spectrum that are inextricably linked. It also provides a comprehensive framework to help national governments lead a whole-of-society effort to manage these risks.