Article
Engineering, Civil
Maria Kaiser, Stephan Gunnemann, Markus Disse
Summary: (English Summary:)
Flash floods pose a global threat to humans, and databases are crucial for researching these events. Research has shown that heavy rain-induced floods in Germany occur throughout the country, with a tendency towards fewer events in the northern regions. Seven hot spots have been identified in urbanized and mountainous areas, with more severe injuries and fatalities occurring in events starting in the evening despite most floods happening between noon and late afternoon.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chen-Long Lv, Yao Tian, Yan Qiu, Qiang Xu, Jin-Jin Chen, Bao-Gui Jiang, Zhong-Jie Li, Li-Ping Wang, Simon I. Hay, Wei Liu, Li-Qun Fang
Summary: A study analyzed the seasonality and epidemiological features of HFRS cases in China from 2008 to 2020. It found that the impact of the disease varied in different regions and with different hantavirus genotypes. The study also identified the significant influence of climate change on the occurrence and seasonality of HFRS.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Jitendra Singh, Subimal Ghosh, Slobodan P. Simonovic, Subhankar Karmakar
Summary: Floods are a common natural hazard in Canada, with the eastern and western watersheds primarily influenced by snowmelt and extreme precipitation, respectively. Nonstationary frequency analysis indicates that increasing precipitation and snowmelt magnitudes directly result in a significant increase in the occurrence of extreme floods.
HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessandro Pucci, Daniel Eickmeier, Helder S. Sousa, Linda Giresini, Jose C. Matos, Ralph Holst
Summary: The existing literature on bridge fragility curves for floods mainly uses analytical approaches. However, it is crucial to validate these models and to identify failure trends and patterns to detect vulnerabilities. This study generated empirical fragility curves using data from actual failures during the 2021 flood in Germany. The analysis revealed recurrent failure mechanisms induced by scour and hydraulic forcing, with severity of damage dependent on bridge typology and deck weight. The study highlights vulnerabilities of bridges to river floods and calls for a shift towards a probabilistic approach in bridge design and assessment.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tanja Charles, Matthias Eckardt, Basel Karo, Walter Haas, Stefan Kroeger
Summary: Seasonality of tuberculosis notifications in Germany varies by disease site, with extra-pulmonary TB showing clear peaks in late spring/summer and troughs in fall/winter. No distinct seasonality was found for overall TB notifications or pulmonary TB cases. Age, sex, and case finding methods did not seem to significantly affect the seasonality of TB notifications.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Mehdi Bagheri-Gavkosh, Seiyed Mossa Hosseini
Summary: Flood seasonality analysis is crucial for identifying hydrologically homogenous regions and understanding flood risk in arid regions. This study analyzed the seasonality of annual maximum floods in 291 stations across Iran and examined the relationships between flood season and various factors. The findings showed strong seasonality in flooding, with a significant difference between northern and southeastern regions. The study suggests that the geographical location of the hydrometric station, particularly latitude, plays a more significant role in shaping flood seasonality.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGIC ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Couasnon, P. Scussolini, T. V. T. Tran, D. Eilander, S. Muis, H. Wang, J. Keesom, J. Dullaart, Y. Xuan, H. Q. Nguyen, H. C. Winsemius, P. J. Ward
Summary: State-of-the-art flood hazard maps in coastal cities are often obtained from simulating coastal or pluvial events separately. In this article, the authors propose a computationally efficient probabilistic framework for flood risk calculation that includes the impact of seasonality and mutual dependence of flood drivers. The framework is applied to Ho Chi Minh City, showing that excluding monthly variability leads to a significant underestimation of flood risk. This research highlights the importance of considering the dynamics of flood drivers in coastal risk assessments.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marcello Silvestro, Ilaria Orologio, Lorenzo Tartaglione, Pasquale Sozio, Mattia Siciliano, Francesca Trojsi, Alessandro Tessitore, Gioacchino Tedeschi, Antonio Russo
Summary: This study analyzed Google Trends data to investigate the seasonal variation in searches for cluster headache worldwide. The results showed higher search volumes during the spring and autumn compared to summer and winter, indicating a clear circannual pattern of cluster headache occurrence.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jorge Leandro, Shane Cunneff, Lorenz Viernstein
Summary: Mitigating flooding impacts and recovering quickly to a pre-flood state are crucial for a flood resilient city. The vulnerability of the electrical distribution network in Maxvorstadt, Munich may increase with future heavy precipitation and flooding events, necessitating the quantification of network response to flooding and better preparation by stakeholders. Analysis shows that protection of network components from inundation and implementing flood risk solutions, such as dry proofing, are key to ensuring functionality during flooding events.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
S. Fischer, D. Lun, A. H. Schumann, G. Bloeschl
Summary: Previous studies have found that flood-rich and flood-poor periods exist in flood peak discharge series around the world. Detecting these periods and understanding their mechanisms is crucial for estimating future flood probabilities accurately. This study proposes a method combining scan-statistics and flood typology to detect flood-rich and flood-poor periods in peak-over-threshold series, and applies it to 164 observed flood series in southern Germany. The results show significant flood-rich periods of heavy-rainfall floods, especially in the Danube river basin, and significant flood-poor periods of snowmelt-floods in low-elevation catchments in the alpine foreland and the uplands.
STOCHASTIC ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND RISK ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ran Huo, Lu Li, Kolbjorn Engeland, Chong-Yu Xu, Hua Chen, Oyvind Paasche, Shenglian Guo
Summary: This study aims to understand the link between climate variability and current/future floods in Norway by simulating daily discharge and floods over a thousand years. The results show that there will be a significant shift in flood seasonality and generating processes in the future, leading to an increase in flood frequency in most of the study catchments.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Mohammad Delpasand, Elahe Fallah-Mehdipour, Mohamad Azizipour, Mohammadreza Jalali, Hamid R. Safavi, Bahram Saghafian, Hugo A. Loaiciga, Mukand Singh Babel, Dragan Savic, Omid Bozorg-Haddad
Summary: This paper presents a novel forensic engineering approach to assess the role of reservoir operation on flood control, focusing on the performance of reservoirs during the large flood of 2019 in southwestern Iran. Results show that improved reservoir operation can significantly enhance peak discharge reduction and flood volume reduction in flood scenarios.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Gustavo Andrei Speckhann, Heidi Kreibich, Bruno Merz
Summary: This study presents the most comprehensive dam inventory for Germany to date, including detailed information on 530 dams. The majority of dams were built between 1950-2013, with 52% being single-purpose, 53% for flood control, and 25% for energy production.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tobias Tenenbaum, Maren Doenhardt, Natalie Diffloth, Reinhard Berner, Jakob P. Armann
Summary: Public health measures implemented to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the worldwide transmission of endemic respiratory viruses such as RSV, as well as other typical, seasonal, and viral respiratory pathogens. German pediatric hospitals monitored RSV cases from October 18, 2021 to March 31, 2022 using a newly established national Clinician-Led Reporting System.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Janet H. Curran, Frances E. Biles
Summary: Alaska is expected to experience accelerated climate change, impacting streamflow properties. By analyzing mean monthly streamflow data, seasonal flow regimes were clustered to identify flow drivers and peak-flow populations, showing variability within different classes dominated by rainfall, snowmelt, and high-elevation melt. The study also found complex associations between seasonal flow regimes and basin characteristics, providing insights for prediction and delineation of hydrologic regions.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Paul Hudson, Annegret H. Thieken
Summary: This paper extends the literature on business-level flood adaptation by exploring the potential presence of moral hazard in private businesses. The findings suggest that there is no strong indication of moral hazard regarding past adaptation, but insurance coverage may lower businesses' intentions to employ more adaptation measures after a flood.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paul Hudson, Philip Bubeck, Annegret H. Thieken
Summary: This article examines the differences in flood adaptation measures between households and businesses, and investigates the factors driving adaptive behavior using a structural statistical model. The study finds that there is no significant difference in the pre-disaster adaptation decision processes between households and businesses, but businesses have a lower level of overall preparedness.
MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FOR GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Sungju Han, Philip Bubeck, Annegret Thieken, Christian Kuhlicke
Summary: This study examines the relationship between risk appraisal, resident responses, and attitudes toward nature-based solutions (NBS) from various perspectives, including theoretical frameworks, citizen surveys, and structural equation modeling. The study found that understanding risk, effective communication, and perceived co-benefits are key factors in promoting acceptance and support for NBS.
HYDROLOGIE UND WASSERBEWIRTSCHAFTUNG
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tobias Sieg, Sarah Kienzler, Viktor Rozer, Kristin Vogel, Henning Rust, Axel Bronstert, Heidi Kreibich, Bruno Merz, Annegret H. Thieken
Summary: Flood risk assessments require diverse disciplines to understand and model hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Refined methods and data significantly impact the overall assessment of flood risk. However, the optimal level of detail is often unknown, making it challenging to prioritize improvements. Creating a balanced approach that incorporates all relevant processes is crucial. More comprehensive case studies are needed for quantitative decision support and to enhance the reliability of flood risk assessments.
JOURNAL OF FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Philipp Schneider, Annegret Thieken, Ariane Walz
Summary: This study examines the effects of temperature and air pollution on human health, focuses on the increased occurrence of emergency ambulance dispatches in a city in Germany, and discusses the applicability for health care interventions and urban planning. The results indicate a significant association between heat waves and cardiovascular diseases, providing baseline information for future urban planning and public health care management.
WEATHER CLIMATE AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Philip Bubeck, Daniel Osberghaus, Annegret H. Thieken
Summary: The Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is widely used to explain individuals' risk-reducing behavior towards flooding and other natural hazards. However, there is a lack of understanding about changes in PMT components and risk-reducing behavior due to the predominant use of cross-sectional research designs. This study examines the relationship between various intrapersonal sources of information and changes in PMT components and risk-reducing behavior using unique panel data from a survey in Germany.
ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Lisa Berghaeuser, Philip Bubeck, Paul Hudson, Annegret H. Thieken
Summary: Individual precautionary behaviour in response to flooding can significantly reduce flood impacts. This study identifies and characterises different types of trajectories of adaptive behaviour after a flood event using panel data in Germany. Three different groups were found: a 'high standard' group, a 'high performer' group, and a 'low adaptive' group. Tailored risk communication and funding schemes may be needed to support low adaptive types of flood-prone residents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Joern Birkmann, Holger Schuettrumpf, John Handmer, Annegret Thieken, Christian Kuhlicke, Alessa Truedinger, Holger Sauter, Elena-Maria Klopries, Stefan Greiving, Ali Jamshed, Bruno Merz, William Solecki, Lothar Kirschbauer
Summary: This article explores the challenges and opportunities for strengthening resilient recovery based on the reconstruction process in Germany after the extreme floods in 2021. The findings are highly relevant for other regions and the international discourse on disaster resilience and reconstruction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Shivani Chouhan, Annegret H. Thieken, Philip Bubeck, Mahua Mukherjee
Summary: The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is prone to natural and man-made hazards, and Uttarakhand state has a history of disasters due to its tectonic activity. Tourism is important for the state's economy, but development projects related to tourism may increase disaster frequency. This study examines the contribution of tourism to disaster impact and recovery, finding that households on tourism routes have better recovery compared to off-tourism routes due to socioeconomic differences and lack of livelihood opportunities. Developing sustainable tourism solutions with resilient planning is crucial for disaster resilience.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jennifer von Keyserlingk, Annegret H. Thieken, Eva Nora Paton
Summary: Land degradation has negative impacts on approximately 3.2 billion people globally and leads to a loss of about 10% of annual gross domestic product. The existing approaches to assess land degradation risk lack a consistent conceptual framework and fail to distinguish between degradation status assessment and assessment of future risk. Damage is rarely quantified and there is a lack of clarity between processes and drivers, hazard and vulnerability. The paper proposes integrating ideas from disaster risk research to stimulate debate and facilitate the development of effective risk reduction measures for land degradation.
ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Annegret H. H. Thieken, Philip Bubeck, Anna Heidenreich, Jennifer von Keyserlingk, Lisa Dillenardt, Antje Otto
Summary: Intense rainfall in July 2021 led to devastating floods and numerous fatalities in Germany. A survey revealed that a significant percentage of respondents did not receive warnings or lacked situational knowledge on protective behaviour. The effectiveness of protective actions was compromised by high water levels and surprise about the magnitude of the flood. To improve the flood forecasting, warning and response system, better dissemination of warnings, clearer communication on flood magnitude, and recommendations on appropriate responses are needed.
NATURAL HAZARDS AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Bianca Wutzler, Paul Hudson, Annegret H. Thieken
Summary: Germany's flood risk management emphasizes a comprehensive approach where both private households and businesses can contribute to reducing flood damage. While research has focused more on private households' adaptation behavior, less attention has been given to businesses, whose adaptation strategies are crucial for the social and economic development of flood-prone regions.
FRONTIERS IN WATER
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Sergiy Vorogushyn, Heiko Apel, Matthias Kemter, Annegret H. Thieken
Summary: The flood disaster in western Germany in July 2021 has led to a critical discussion on flood hazard assessment, revision of flood hazard maps, and communication of extreme flood scenarios. The study shows that considering historical flood events significantly affects flood statistics. The current flood model may inadequately reflect the flood population, suggesting the need to explore the application of process-based mixed flood distributions. The design values used in flood hazard maps should be revised to include model-based reconstructions of historical floods and worst-case scenarios. This would be an important step in protecting potentially affected population and disaster management from rare and extreme flood events in the future.
HYDROLOGIE UND WASSERBEWIRTSCHAFTUNG
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Michael Dietze, Rainer Bell, Ugur Ozturk, Kristen L. Cook, Christoff Andermann, Alexander R. Beer, Bodo Damm, Ana Lucia, Felix S. Fauer, Katrin M. Nissen, Tobias Sieg, Annegret H. Thieken
Summary: Rapidly evolving floods have severe impacts on landscape reorganisation and society. The July 2021 flood in western Germany and Belgium was a drastic event due to its coupling of landscape elements and the carried wood, sediment, and debris. Intense floods can reveal rare non-linear feedbacks and require improved anticipation, mitigation, and system understanding. This study analyzes the 14-15 July 2021 flood and identifies hillslope processes, debris mobilisation, human land use, and emerging process connections as critical dimensions.
NATURAL HAZARDS AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Annegret H. Thieken, Guilherme Samprogna Mohor, Heidi Kreibich, Meike Mueller
Summary: This paper analyzes how differently affected residents coped with different types of floods (fluvial and pluvial) and their impacts in Germany. The study found significant differences in the pathways, hydraulic and financial impacts, recovery, warning processes, and coping and adaptive behavior between the four flood pathways. Although there were only small differences in perceived self-efficacy and responsibility, tailored risk communication and support can improve property-level adaptation.
NATURAL HAZARDS AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2022)
