Integrated Strategies for the Management of Wadi Flash Floods in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Arid Zones: The ISFF Project

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Abstract
Sustainable management of wadi flash flood (WFF) risks is desperately needed to secure development in wadi systems. Due to rapid flow generation with sudden high flood peaks, spatiotemporal variability of rainfall occurrence, and poorly sited rapid development, most Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have no comprehensive proper protection from WFFs. In arid regions, single mitigation measures, including storage dams, recharge dams, artificial lakes and embankments, are implemented, although soft mitigation measures are not dominant, such as early warning systems. The single management strategy under climate change impacts is not adequate to reduce flash flood risks; an integrated strategy is required. The objective of the international symposium on flash floods (ISFF) project has been to develop scientific understanding of WFFs in wadi systems; monitor, model, and mitigate; issue warnings; and plan urban development by discussing and networking the strategies in the MENA region. To achieve this goal, the project defines priorities for future research challenges and potential projects for WFFs. This chapter provides a state-of-the-art scientific basis in terms of integrated flash flood management. Further, priorities are defined for the main research gaps, and the emerging research methodologies can contribute to guide the management of WFFs in such regions.

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