Flood vulnerability and preparedness : model approach to mitigate the risk for local communities

This paper presents an approach, model components and methodologies to conceptualise and assess local flood vulnerability. In doing so, it is the major objective to increase the adaptive capacity of local communities against floods. Empirical evidence is taken from the Mulde River, Germany, and will be transferred to the transboundary Tisza River (Hungary, Ukraine). The conceptual model presented in the paper incorporates variables such as preparedness or risk awareness based on improved information on increasing flood frequency or discharge to demonstrate how to structure and mobilise autochthon capacities of households and communities to cope with floods. For the quantification of the causal-feedback-loops we use empiric data.