Navigating data scarcity in flood risk assessment

The authors conducted a systematic review of 264 studies on flood risk assessment in data-scarce regions. Their study reveals diverse interpretations of “risk” and “data scarcity”, deviating from well-established definitions. We highlight the use of a standardized definition of flood risk to enhance the comparability of findings and improve the reliability of assessments. Second, the researchers conceptualise data scarcity in the flood risk context to support an informed selection of assessment methods.

Third, they systematically compile risk indicators, methods, and data sources applied in the context of data scarcity, and analyse the interplay between methods for mapping the three key risk components, that is, hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. This interplay enables the design of a three-step approach for identifying an appropriate methodological combination for flood risk assessment in any data-scarce application context. Through these three key contributions, our review paves the way for more reliable and consistent flood risk assessment and management in data-scarce regions, facilitating the reduction and mitigation of flood impacts in vulnerable communities across the globe.