Session: Session 2. Asset Integrity Under Extreme and Disruptive Events

Paper Number: 122538

122538 - Integrated Asset Management for Extreme Disasters: Assessing the 2023 Flood Events and Resilience of Critical Infrastructures 

The global community is currently witnessing many casualties and economic losses resulting from extreme weather and climate-related disasters, particularly floods. These occurrences have become more pronounced in terms of their intensity and frequency due to climate change. In 2023, many countries experienced devastating floods and heavy rainfall, and the problem is further exacerbated by humanity’s increasing reliance on critical infrastructure and essential assets that are imperative for the proper functioning of society.

The current state of the globe is characterized by significant socio-economic shifts, leading to dynamic shifts in vulnerability, hazard, and risk. Climatic change and human-induced variables such as high populations, demographic changes, and socio-economic activities near vulnerable areas, which should be designated as buffer zones, serve as amplifiers of threat and are expected to intensify these hazards. Consequently, the human population will have heightened exposure and increased susceptibility to situations classified as 'extreme occurrences'. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize the development of climate-resilient structural and non-structural measures to enhance the effectiveness of water governance.

The purpose of this study is to assess the extreme flood disasters in 2023 and investigate a more integrated flood management approach. Additionally, the study aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future disruptive flood disasters.

This study showed that most of the flood events in 2023 can be attributed to the capacity constraints of river systems, dike and floodwater diversions, detention storage, and suboptimal operational decisions. Furthermore, the inability to meet multiple demands from the combined operations of these systems was a major challenge, as critical decisions have to be made within rigid time limitations. From our findings, we can deduce that Libya had the most severe consequences, characterized by the collapse of two dams, resulting in the complete destruction of large residential areas and the displacement of homes into the ocean. The results of our investigation additionally indicate that the magnitude of the catastrophe was significantly amplified due to a combination of factors, encompassing deteriorating infrastructure, insufficient early alerts, and the repercussions of the escalating climate crises. Thus, the limitations of this flood control approach are evident.

Recently, there have been massive investments in structural flood management measures, which require highly developed systems of flood control. However, this study has also shown that the approach of relying solely on structural measures is no longer economically and practically feasible. There is a need to explore a more integrated flood management strategy that is necessary for adapting to evolving environmental, hydrological, and social conditions, which builds sustainable resilience. To improve resilience and flood management, technical development that echoes the principle of adopting new information is incorporated into the methodology. The implementation of this adaptive integrated flood management approach is very critical, which is based on an assessment of flood hazard, flood hazard exposure, and the susceptibility of individuals and properties to potential harm. To facilitate socioeconomic growth, water resource infrastructure needs to be proliferated to meet increasing current realities. The accuracy and user-friendliness of this decision support system are crucial, and it must be integrated with real-time hydrological and meteorological monitoring, early warning systems, flood forecasting, and emergency response systems. Other technical improvements involve the hydraulic and hydrologic assessments of the catchment system to anticipate the impact of discharging surplus water on downstream flood levels; improved technical reporting on the capacity (regular water supply and flood storage) of the dam; and augmenting flood storage capabilities.

In a climate-change-affected world with massive floods, preparation is crucial. We need resilience and green infrastructure that can be adapted to various disasters. This vital research develops sophisticated decision-support tools and builds resilience to help managers and decision-makers. Thus, identifying, assessing, and implementing appropriate structural and nonstructural interventions would reduce damages and enhance future flood planning, resulting in significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Keywords: Disaster; Flood; Climate change; Resilience; Infrastructure

Presenting Author: Oscar Nkwazema China University of Geosciences, Wuhan China.

Presenting Author Biography: I am currently a Ph.D. student majoring in Management Science and Engineering at the China University of Geosciences, and I obtained my master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same university. My bachelor's degree was also in Mechanical Engineering. I have prior industrial experience in asset integrity management, technical procurement, supply chain management, flood management, climate and natural disaster control, and project management. My vast industrial and research skills have helped industries achieve key business goals. My scientific research interests include Asset management and extreme event control, flood management, and technical forecasting.
I am also a student member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) and other professional bodies. I have published and collaborated with other researchers on various scientific papers to advance science. I am also an academic reviewer and a life member of the World Association of Scientists and Professionals.