Role of Dams in Flood Mitigation - A review

The main purpose of this Bulletin is to highlight the role that dams can play in flood mitigation, as one of the options to be taken into consideration within the framework of Integrated Flood Management (IFM). Dams and reservoirs constitute a very effective structural measure, since they are able to store large flood volumes, modify flood routing, and significantly reduce peak floods. This Bulletin contains relevant experiences and real cases of benefits that dams and reservoirs have brought where flood mitigation is concerned, in China, USA, Japan, South Korea, Spain and Honduras.

The Bulletin aims to demonstrate and put across the essential facts with respect to the role of dams and reservoirs in flood mitigation, and is aimed at a wider and more general audience than just dam experts. It will serve to objectively show the benefits and risks associated with dams and reservoirs as part of Integrated Flood Management.