Apart from the flood zones, they now contain another 50 layers regarding, for example, slope stability, drainage lines, erosion, undermining, etc. In the future, other factors such as fire or storms should be reflected in them.
"The flood model of insurance companies is a unique tool that has not only served insurance companies for many years, but information about flood risks has also found application, for example, in the real estate market. The expansion of monitored data within the framework of flood maps has a great societal benefit. It is our response to climate change, when we want to emphasize the prevention of local floods in connection with more frequent torrential rains. We will now focus on evaluating and supervising the responsible behavior of farmers. Additional map layers will in turn help us improve cooperation with municipalities, especially when planning flood protection measures in the countryside," said Jan Matoušek, executive director of the Czech Association of Insurance Companies.
The new data layers contain information on erosion, drainage lines, landslides and slope instability, recommended landscape and water management measures, etc. By connecting them in one place, the authors hope to increase the push for a healthier landscape, water retention and biodiversity. "For example, the erosion layer will help control compliance with the so-called erosion decree and the activities of farmers. Up to 80% of erosion events can be prevented. This is a significant prevention of property damage, but also damage to the creditworthiness of the land," explains Adam Voldán, expert of the Mojžíš project of the Czech Insurance Association. Another example of the specific use of flood hazard maps is the control of compliance with the water law.
The new data will further serve to educate and raise awareness about the issue of adaptation to climate change. "The Czech landscape is changing, and new risks come into play with climate change. Our task is not only to define these risks, to understand them for the proper protection of our clients, but also to actively advocate for the prevention of the consequences of disasters. And when they do occur, they can also correctly identify their causes. To put it simply – sometimes the consequences of torrential rain may not be due to the weather, but rather to the farmer. There are many cases of municipalities that are flooded with mud even after a normal summer storm, purely because the farmer sowed, for example, corn where he shouldn't have. We want to prevent such cases in cooperation with state institutions," adds Jan Matoušek.
1588 views
