Flood risk research for improving flood risk outcomes

Whenever I read the Journal of Flood Risk Management, am always impressed by diversity papers and value opportunities that adopting a comprehensive approach to studying flood risk brings. believe that, as community, we have come long way in research over past decades want use this editorial briefly reflect on where are tackling complex problems developing scientific advancements, which improve outcomes for our at-risk societies. This is pertinent question continue see flooding occurring news or local communities. White et al. their 2001 paper identified four reasons why losses from natural hazards despite increasing knowledge research: (i) continues be flawed areas ignorance; (ii) available but not used effectively; (iii) effectively takes time effect; (iv) some respects overwhelmed increases vulnerability population, wealth poverty (White al., 2001). More than 20 years on, still seeing such increasing, all advances these intervening years. argue can attributed al.'s (2001) final two suggested reasons, hazard, exposure course putting challenges existing management approaches there may solutions studies being implemented seen effect. But community researchers, should how well doing first two. So first, ignorance? has evolved tackle broad range topics whilst gaps knowledge, been significant progress The breadth scope continued expand away efforts principally focusing structural measures through engineering physical science solutions. Comprehensive now encompasses wide disciplines domains including (but limited to) engineering, statistics, geography, economics, psychology, political science, behavioural sciences, healthcare sciences information communication technology. does mean things learn interdisciplinarity only help us finding more complete picture develop greater impact. Indeed, with changing hazard socio-economic issues, need revisit adjust applied concerning best risk. Issue Management (Volume 16, 1—March 2023) exemplifies multiplicity evidence advancement herein focus just different examples, would commend contributions. Guo (2023) combine several types data analysis consider effectiveness inflatable dam structures preventing subway system. Combining laboratory tests subsequent numerical modelling analysis, they able analyse isolate key features (e.g., air-inflated air pressure dam, anchoring depth, height) temporary structure conditions type forces) it will perform. Koma adopt economic analytical identify optimum spatial construction embankments considering height sections priority construction. Adopting an focuses most efficient presents policymakers professionals evidence-based decision-making. Second, reiterating third deficiency highlighted (2001), whether effectively? because those who might unaware it, findings presented accessible usable way. An additional challenge increase adopted considered relevant essential risk: adds complexity, subsequently its adoption. therefore reiterate viewpoints my esteemed colleagues, Burrell Montz Andrea Zischg recent editorials (Montz, 2021; Zischg, 2022) about confront complexity translation assist adoption into practice. Dewa contribution do present multidimensional framework characterising, measuring understanding resilience rural Malawi integrate socio-demographic factors. provides ‘a context specific construct resilience’, utilised managers prioritising actions. researchers conversation engagement policymakers, practitioners societies fill work others convert action. welcome contributions Journal, translational ensure widest impact transformed positive action society. Lastly, Associate Editors like acknowledge, much gratitude, support commitment receives peer reviewers, make voluntarily comment upon manuscripts receive. Thank you all; without your contributions, possible publish Management.