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T
imely intervention when floods or droughts
threaten can save lives and minimise economic
damage. Every euro invested in sound flood and
drought forecasts generates a return of four
hundred euros. This is the conclusion of a recent
study by Florian Pappenberger:
The Monetary Benefit of Early
FloodWarnings in Europe
.
The results will interest management agencies and govern
ment bodies, but also commercial companies and insurers.
NGOs and organisations like the Red Cross need hydrological
forecasts to target their aid and rescue operations.
The global damage caused by droughts
and floods already costs billions and
that figure will only increase as climate
change continues. The good news:
hydrological forecasting systems are
becoming increasingly refined and
they earn back the investment many
times over.
BY DIMMIE HENDRIKS / PHOTO LARS VAN DEN BRINK
ACCURATE FORECASTS: 400
FOR EVERY EURO INVESTED
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