Publication: ASSESSING SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL LOSSES OF DAM-FAILURE FLOOD RISK: A REVIEW ON SUSTAINABLE FRAMEWORK
Date
2024
Authors
Aqilah S.S.
Karmilla K.Z.
Tamanna K.
Ali Z.
Mat N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
Abstract
Floods from dam hazards pose more catastrophic consequences than equivalent flood events due to their sudden, high-speed water flows and lack of warning. They result in the loss of human life, the destruction of communities, and significant socio-economic and environmental losses. This paper aims to review previous studies on dam hazard flood risk assessment, identify gaps in existing models, and propose a practical methodology for a sustainable assessment framework. Through a systematic literature review using keywords like ?dam failure, ? ?flood risk, ? and ?socioeconomic impact, ? 179 relevant papers were found, with 20 being significant, and 5 focused on dam failure events. Prior studies mostly concentrated on technical or country-based approaches, neglecting community-based assessments. The gaps identified included a lack of consideration for social, economic, and environmental impacts, with most studies focusing solely on structural effects. This study presents an integrated framework linking flood characteristics to three main variables: (1) social-community well-being and loss of life, (2) economic losses (both direct and indirect), and (3) environmental impact on water quality and biodiversity. To assess dam failure scenarios, a guideline for scenario-building analysis is adopted, incorporating primary and secondary data. The proposed framework aims to be concrete and user-friendly, assisting policymakers and stakeholders in assessing dam hazard-flood risks. However, it acknowledges that the effectiveness of the framework may vary based on specific dam features and the surrounding demographic, topographic, and socioeconomic conditions. Although a more comprehensive assessment method is necessary, this framework represents a crucial step towards improving dam risk evaluations. ? UMT Press