ABSTRACT
This chapter will provide an overview of the concept of flood forecasting, warning and response. It is clear that this can be an effective approach in reducing damage and loss of life due to flooding, not, as with structural measures, through attempting to remove the flood risk, but rather through ensuring people have time to move themselves and where possible their property out of harm’s way. The process of flood forecasting, warning and response is, however, complex. Without real time observation data for flood risk on the one hand, and an effective response of a well-prepared and supported public on the other, the objectives will not be attained.
