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COMPREHENSIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF FLOODS IN CYPRUS: EVALUATING THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Georgios Xekalakis, Christos Anastasiou, Evi Riga, Giulio Zuccaro, Petros Christou

First published: 2023-12-15https://doi.org/10.5593/sgem2023v/3.2/s12.08View metrics

Abstract

Arid and semi-arid regions, including Cyprus, are increasingly experiencing severe weather events due to climate change. These events, characterized by prolonged droughts and flash floods, pose significant challenges to the environment, economy, and societal well-being. This paper aims to analyze the challenges of Flood Risk Management (FRM) in dry areas, focusing on Cyprus as a case study. It reviews historical data on temperature and rainfall patterns, flood types, and severity to propose effective, nature-based mitigation measures. The study examines temperature and rainfall trends over the last 30 years in Cyprus, categorizes floods since 1859 based on severity, and identifies prevalent flood types. The investigation reveals a decrease in annual rainfall and an increase in average temperatures in Cyprus, leading to heightened flood risks. The study categorizes floods into fluvial, pluvial, flash, and coastal types, with pluvial floods being the most common due to urbanization. The paper underscores the role of community and individual participation in adopting nature-based solutions such as permeable materials, rain gardens, tree planting, and roof gardens. Addressing flood risks in Cyprus requires a combined effort of government initiatives and community engagement. The adoption of sustainable, eco-friendly practices can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on flood hazards. This holistic approach is imperative for enhancing resilience against future climate-related challenges in Cyprus and similar arid regions.

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Publication details

Title
COMPREHENSIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF FLOODS IN CYPRUS: EVALUATING THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors
Georgios Xekalakis, Christos Anastasiou, Evi Riga, Giulio Zuccaro, Petros Christou
Proceedings
SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference EXPO Proceedings; 23rd SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Proceedings 2023, Water Resources. Forest, Marine and Ocean Ecosystems, Vol 23, Issue 3.2
Publisher
STEF92 Technology
Year
2023
Pages
59-67
SWS Citekey
Xekalakis2023125967
ISSN
1314-2704
ISBN
978-619-7603-64-4
Language
en
Publication type
Conference Paper
Proceedings contents
Open official contents
Keywords
Climate ChangeFloodsHazardsNatural-based Mitigation MeasuresCyprus
References9

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  5. www.cyi.ac.cy. (n.d.). Climate Change and Impact - The Cyprus Institute. [online] Available at: https://www.cyi.ac.cy/index.php/eewrc/eewrc-research-projects/climatechange- and-impact.html [Accessed 9 May 2020].

  6. HISTORY. 2023. Climate Change History - Greenhouse Effect, Treaties | HISTORY. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.history.com/topics/natural-disastersand- environment/history-of-climate-change. [Accessed 20 October 2023].

  7. Cyprus - Climatology | Climate Change Knowledge Portal. 2023. Cyprus - Climatology | Climate Change Knowledge Portal. [ONLINE] Available at: https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/cyprus/climate-data-historical. [Accessed 20 October 2023].

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  9. ???????? ?????. 2023. Flood maps � ???????? ?????. [ONLINE] Available at: https://civildefence.com.cy/en/floodmaps. [Accessed 20 October 2023].

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