Flood Risk Exposure in Austria – Options for Bearing Risk Efficiently

• DOI: 10.3790/schm.128.4.593
• Publication Date: 2008-12-02T15:49:30Z
• Authors: Thomas Url; Franz Sinabell
• Keywords: ddc:330; 13. Climate action; 0502 economics and business; 05 social sciences; 11. Sustainability

Abstract Due to its topography, Austria is exposed to many natural hazards. Inadequate spatial planning aggravates natural exposure to risks, 12% of all buildings are potentially exposed to flooding almost 9% are considered to be at an extreme risk. Reinforcing precautionary measures is a prerequisite for an efficient risk management system that will be ready to meet future challenges. In an efficient risk management system the Austrian government's relief payments after catastrophic events should be substituted by a broad (mostly compulsory) insurance against natural hazards. The strong involvement of government in the provisions of precautionary measures against natural disasters and its role during emergencies should be better co-ordinated with private measures. JEL Classifications: Q54, G28, G22