Planning and management issues and challenges of flash flooding disasters in Saudi Arabia : the case of Riyadh city

Abstract EN

The paper sets out to unravel the issues and challenges in flash flood disaster management in Saudi Arabia, through Riyadh city as an example.

The issue of flooding management and planning has been brought to the forefront of government agenda as a result of rising frequencies and intensities of flash floods in the country.

It discussed specific issues, explaining what is lacking and what should be done to deal effectively should such an unfortunate event occur.

The main challenging issues found are: 1) Disaster management in the Saudi context is still primarily a matter of response and relief operations as it does not include any proactive or preventive provisions against the devastating impacts of disasters; 2) Current management approach of disaster focusses predominantly on disaster containment rather than management; 3) Local authorities do not have well-defined disaster management strategies supported by clearly defined action plans; and 4) Data and mapping technologies (e.g., GIS) are not a priority nor well appreciated as an effective decision tool in disaster management.

Accordingly, the paper proposes adapting a comprehensive integrated management approach that adheres to the well-known four disaster management stages, and that ensures public participation, flexibility, transparency, production, accountability and effectiveness.

It also proposes establishing well-equipped civil disaster and emergency management centres capable of collecting, storing and handling all the data about such events, hence facilitating analysis, modelling and disseminating information to all concerned parties.

The local community should also be effectively involved in the whole management process.