Managing Flash Flood Risk in the Himalayas

This information sheets summarises the major causes of flash floods in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region, and the different approaches that can be used to reduce the potential impacts. There are three key messages of the information sheet includes i) Due to local characteristics and the sudden nature of their occurrence, flash floods are best managed by local authorities and communities. ii) Non-structural measures are more effective in the management of flash flood risk, but a combination of non-structural and small-scale structural measures can produce the best results. iii) Flash floods should be addressed while implementing national and regional flood management policies, and integrated water resources management and disaster risk management plans.