- Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
- Working at Delft University of Technology as an independent consultant and postdoc for CiTG, TPM, DIMI at - Researchedit
In 2008, Hurricane Ike devastated Bolivar Peninsula, narrowly missing the more heavily industrialized and populated areas in the region. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from... more
In 2008, Hurricane Ike devastated Bolivar Peninsula, narrowly missing the more heavily industrialized and populated areas in the region. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center at Rice University in Houston, and Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG) led initiatives to propose and design flood mitigation strategies. In collaboration with TAMUG and the SSPEED Center, students and researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have been investigating regional strategies for flood risk reduction. In this publication they and their Texas counterparts reflect on the research, design, and insight that has sprouted from this collective endeavour.
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In 2008, Hurricane Ike devastated Bolivar Peninsula, narrowly missing the more heavily industrialized and populated areas in the region. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from... more
In 2008, Hurricane Ike devastated Bolivar Peninsula, narrowly missing the more heavily industrialized and populated areas in the region. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center at Rice University in Houston, and Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG) led initiatives to propose and design flood mitigation strategies. In collaboration with TAMUG and the SSPEED Center, students and researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have been investigating regional strategies for flood risk reduction. In this publication they and their Texas counterparts reflect on the research, design, and insight that has sprouted from this collective endeavour.
Research Interests:
Ports provide an essential link to the world market, enabling countries to trade their goods and strengthen their economies. However, the global and regional benefits of port developments do not always translate into benefits to local... more
Ports provide an essential link to the world market, enabling countries to trade their goods and strengthen their economies. However, the global and regional benefits of port developments do not always translate into benefits to local stakeholders. There is often a mismatch between the positive global and regional effects of port development and the impacts that can be experienced locally. Port development requires a paradigm shift from a conventional economic and engineering oriented approach to a stakeholder-inclusive and environmentally, economically and socially integrated approach to become sustainable. The research project ‘Integrated and Sustainable Port Development in Ghana within an African Context’ aims to learn how to develop integrated and sustainable African ports that meet economic, social and environmental needs now and in the future. The Port of Tema, which has evolved from a small fishing village to Ghana’s leading industrial centre and seaport in the last decades, ...
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Multifunctional flood defenses protect areas against flooding, but serve other functions as well. Although these types of defenses can be seen almost everywhere, they pose special technical and governance challenges. This book is about a... more
Multifunctional flood defenses protect areas against flooding, but serve other functions as well. Although these types of defenses can be seen almost everywhere, they pose special technical and governance challenges. This book is about a unique interdisciplinary research program developed to tackle some of the issues designers and managers of multifunctional flood defenses are confronted with, and also to provide some practical solutions. The book discusses a variety of case studies, but also considers the difficulties involved in setting up an interdisciplinary study with PhD students from different fields. Interviews with some of the end users and reflections by researchers involved in the field make this book a ‘must read’ for everybody who is involved in protecting societies against flooding.
Research Interests: Design, Architecture, Flood Risk Management, Corporate Governance, Flood Mitigation, and 15 moreEnvironmental Sustainability, Hydraulic and Hydrology, Flood Forecasting, Flooding, Flood, Engineering Ethics, Flood Risk, Floods, Floodplains, Green Infrastructure Impacts on Water Quality and Flooding, Governance and Planning, How to Mitigate Urban Flooding, Flood Mangement, Flood Myths, and Flood Myth
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Building with Nature (BwN) infrastructure designs are characterised by disciplinary integration, non-linearity, diverse and fluid design requirements, and long-term time frames that balance the limitations of earth’s natural systems and... more
Building with Nature (BwN) infrastructure designs are characterised by disciplinary integration, non-linearity, diverse and fluid design requirements, and long-term time frames that balance the limitations of earth’s natural systems and the socio-technical systems created by humans. Differentiating roles in the engineering design process may offer strategies for better solutions. Four complementary engineering design roles were distinguished, namely: Specialists, System Integrators, Front-end Innovators, and Contextual Engineers. The key research question addressed in this paper asks, how can the introduction of engineering roles enhance interdisciplinary processes for BwN design? Three Building with Nature design workshops with international groups of students from multiple disciplines and various education levels provided the ideal context for investigating whether engineering roles enhance such interdisciplinary ways of working. Results indicate that the application of engineerin...
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The development of knowledge about the mechanism in the delta has had a high dependency on projects and techniques available. During the period from 1930 to 1939, there is a consolidation of the achievements and further development of... more
The development of knowledge about the mechanism in the delta has had a high dependency on projects and techniques available. During the period from 1930 to 1939, there is a consolidation of the achievements and further development of hydraulic engineering techniques, based on model-based and mathematical analyses and prognoses (Schot et al., 1998). In this time two of the physical models were built, the Waterloopbos in the Netherlands and the Mississippi River basin in the USA. Both models have been used extensively to expand knowledge and build projects, but both became out of use when computers appeared in the 1980s. Then the calculation models were favoured, as they can be done faster, and are also capable of handling complex problems. Computer technology became increasingly dominated by measurement, prognosis, calibration, verification and validation. For this project section, the current state of the two models is brought forth as a new technique in which maybe the Longue Dure...
New approaches to combine flood protection, soil regeneration and water management strategies with urban design, landscape architecture and spatial planning in delta regions cannot do without knowledge and understanding of history. To... more
New approaches to combine flood protection, soil regeneration and water management strategies with urban design, landscape architecture and spatial planning in delta regions cannot do without knowledge and understanding of history. To find a new balance between urbanization, climate change, geopolitical shifts, the energy transition in deltas it is crucial to understand the evaluation of the system from the past to what it is today and can be in the future. The logic of the relationship between design, engineering, science and governance on the one hand, and the logic with the natural system on the other, determined the current conditions and its performance. In the development of cities, at any time, there is the concept of Longue Durée recognizing the formative forces of nature and the relevance of historic concepts to take into account (Braudel, 1949). The main question of this issue is: How can interdisciplinary approaches of design, engineering, science and governance respond t...
This memo is the result of an exploration of possible sources on the Eastern Scheldt estuary. The memo’s aim is to provide a clear point of departure for the Eastern Scheldt Survey, which will summarize up to date knowledge on the Eastern... more
This memo is the result of an exploration of possible sources on the Eastern Scheldt estuary. The memo’s aim is to provide a clear point of departure for the Eastern Scheldt Survey, which will summarize up to date knowledge on the Eastern Scheldt Barrier and its effects. It offers the opportunity for the Severe Storm Prediction Education and Evacuation from Disasters-center (SSPEED), the commissioner of the Survey, to give further direction to the search if required. Being the product of much public and expert debate, the barrier and the estuary have enjoyed much attention over the last decades, resulting in numerous publications addressing a variety of topics. The findings of the exploration of these sources are grouped in three categories: (1) decision-making regarding the construction of the barrier, (2) the environmental effects, and (3) the effect on the regional spatial-economic development pattern. Within these categories, the following themes were studied: i. Public and expert debate before, during and after construction (and its effect on policy and decision-making) ii. Effects on hydrodynamics, sediment fluxes and morphology iii. Effects on benthos and primary production iv. Effects on wading birds v. Mitigation measures vi. Economy vii. Land use development pattern
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Contested Issues Game Structuring approach: Exploring stakeholder-based joint commitment to action for flood protection decision-making in the Houston Galveston Bay Area
De organisatie voor Economische Samenwerking en Ontwikkeling schat dat in 2070 in grote havensteden wereldwijd 140 miljoen mensen en 30000 miljard euro aan economische waarde beschermd worden, Bescherming lijkt alleen mogelijk met... more
De organisatie voor Economische Samenwerking en Ontwikkeling schat dat in 2070 in grote havensteden wereldwijd 140 miljoen mensen en 30000 miljard euro aan economische waarde beschermd worden, Bescherming lijkt alleen mogelijk met multifunctionele waterkeringen.
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In 2008, Hurricane Ike devastated Bolivar Peninsula, narrowly missing the more heavily industrialized and populated areas in the region. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from... more
In 2008, Hurricane Ike devastated Bolivar Peninsula, narrowly missing the more heavily industrialized and populated areas in the region. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center at Rice University in Houston, and Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG) led initiatives to propose and design flood mitigation strategies. In collaboration with TAMUG and the SSPEED Center, students and researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have been investigating regional strategies for flood risk reduction. In this publication they and their Texas counterparts reflect on the research, design, and insight that has sprouted from this collective endeavor.
Research Interests:
Een onderzoeksprogramma van de TU Delft, Universiteit van Twente en Wageningen Universiteit heeft diverse ontwerpaspecten van zogenoemde multifunctionele waterkeringen onder de loep genomen. Dit artikel belicht het technisch en ruimtelijk... more
Een onderzoeksprogramma van de TU Delft, Universiteit van Twente en Wageningen Universiteit heeft diverse ontwerpaspecten van zogenoemde multifunctionele waterkeringen onder de loep genomen. Dit artikel belicht het technisch en ruimtelijk ontwerpproces van dergelijke keringen, en het betrekken van stakeholders in dit proces.
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Bij het ontwerp van multifunctionele waterkeringen spelen twee specifieke constructieve aspecten een rol: golfimpact en constructieve verificatie. Een onderzoeksprogramma van de TU Delft, Universiteit van Twente en Wageningen Universiteit... more
Bij het ontwerp van multifunctionele waterkeringen spelen twee specifieke constructieve aspecten een rol: golfimpact en constructieve verificatie. Een onderzoeksprogramma van de TU Delft, Universiteit van Twente en Wageningen Universiteit heeft zich hierover gebogen.
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On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Rockport, Texas as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of approximately 200 km/hour. Harvey caused severe damages in coastal Texas due to extreme winds and storm... more
On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Rockport, Texas as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of approximately 200 km/hour. Harvey caused severe damages in coastal Texas due to extreme winds and storm surge, but will go down in history for record-setting rainfall totals and flood-related damages. Across large portions of southeast Texas, rainfall totals during the six-day period between August 25 and 31, 2017 were amongst the highest ever recorded, causing flooding at an unprecedented scale. More than 100,000 residential properties are estimated to have been affected in southeast Texas. It is likely that Harvey will rank among the costliest storms in U.S. history. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Delft University of Technology has initiated a Harvey Research Team to undertake a coordinated multidisciplinary investigation of the events with a focus on the greater Houston area. This ‘fact-finding’ research is based on information available from public ...
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The title of this journal is the offspring of Han Meyer who started the interdisciplinary research movement Delta Urbanism about 25 years ago. The two words describe the concept that brings focus on an integrative and interdisciplinary... more
The title of this journal is the offspring of Han Meyer who started the interdisciplinary research movement Delta Urbanism about 25 years ago. The two words describe the concept that brings focus on an integrative and interdisciplinary approach in the planning, designing and engineering of urbanised deltas –fragile and highly dynamic landscapes at sea, in deltas, and in estuaries– facing extreme challenges from competing claims and interests. As discourse, it investigates the possibilities to combine flood resilience, soil regeneration and water management strategies with urban design, landscape architecture and spatial planning. Finally, as practice, it has the objective to improve spatial form, function, and performance and innovate urban systems in urban and metropolitan delta and coastal regions. The urgency for this novel approach is seen in the quest for a new dynamic equilibrium between urban growth, port- development, agriculture, environmental and ecological qualities, floo...
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Een onderzoeksprogramma van de TU Delft, Universiteit van Twente en Wageningen Universiteit heeft diverse ontwerpaspecten van zogenoemde multifunctionele waterkeringen onder de loep genomen. Dit derde artikel belicht het technisch en... more
Een onderzoeksprogramma van de TU Delft, Universiteit van Twente en Wageningen Universiteit heeft diverse ontwerpaspecten van zogenoemde multifunctionele waterkeringen onder de loep genomen. Dit derde artikel belicht het technisch en ruimtelijk ontwerpproces van dergelijke keringen, en het betrekken van stakeholders in dit proces. Een geïntegreerde methode voor design een ontwerp van waterkeringen en de CIGaS-tool (Contested Issues GAme Structuring approach) voor stakeholder-inclusief ontwerp worden gepresenteerd.
Research Interests:
Bij het ontwerp van multi- functionele waterkeringen spelen minstens twee speci- fieke constructieve aspecten een rol: golfimpact en con- structieve verificatie. Een onderzoeksprogramma van de TU Delft, Universiteit van Twente en... more
Bij het ontwerp van multi- functionele waterkeringen spelen minstens twee speci- fieke constructieve aspecten een rol: golfimpact en con- structieve verificatie. Een onderzoeksprogramma van de TU Delft, Universiteit van Twente en Wageningen Universiteit heeft zich hier- over gebogen. Deel twee uit een drieluik.
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De Organisatie voor Econo- mische Samenwerlcing en Ontwii<keling schat dat in 2070 in grote havensteden wereldwijd 140 miljoen mensen en € 30.000 miljard aan economische waarde beschermd worden. Bescher- ming lijkt alleen mogelijk met... more
De Organisatie voor Econo- mische Samenwerlcing en Ontwii<keling schat dat in 2070 in grote havensteden wereldwijd 140 miljoen mensen en € 30.000 miljard aan economische waarde beschermd worden. Bescher- ming lijkt alleen mogelijk met multifunctionele water- keringen. Het eerste artikel uit een drieluik.
De druk op landgebruik neemt toe. Onzekerhe- den over klimaatverandering en economische ontwikkelingen leveren problemen op bij het vaststellen van een beschermingsniveau tegen overstromingen. Deze gecombineerde complexiteit vraagt om technologische en institutionele innovaties.
Een van deze innovaties is het concept 'multifunctionele waterkeringen', bijvoorbeeld zoals geadresseerd in het rapport van de Commissie Veerman 2008. In haar advies aan de Nederlandse regering over de toekomstige hoogwaterbeschermingsstrategie stelde deze commissie voor om geïntegreerde en multifunctionele oplossingen te ontwikkelen op locaties waar gebrek is aan ruimte. Functioneel voor waterveiligheid en tegelijker- tijd een manier om extra maatschappelijke waarde te creëren.
De druk op landgebruik neemt toe. Onzekerhe- den over klimaatverandering en economische ontwikkelingen leveren problemen op bij het vaststellen van een beschermingsniveau tegen overstromingen. Deze gecombineerde complexiteit vraagt om technologische en institutionele innovaties.
Een van deze innovaties is het concept 'multifunctionele waterkeringen', bijvoorbeeld zoals geadresseerd in het rapport van de Commissie Veerman 2008. In haar advies aan de Nederlandse regering over de toekomstige hoogwaterbeschermingsstrategie stelde deze commissie voor om geïntegreerde en multifunctionele oplossingen te ontwikkelen op locaties waar gebrek is aan ruimte. Functioneel voor waterveiligheid en tegelijker- tijd een manier om extra maatschappelijke waarde te creëren.
Research Interests:
This memo is the result of an exploration of possible sources on the Eastern Scheldt estuary. The memo’s aim is to provide a clear point of departure for the Eastern Scheldt Survey, which will summarize up to date knowledge on the Eastern... more
This memo is the result of an exploration of possible sources on the Eastern Scheldt estuary. The memo’s aim is to provide a clear point of departure for the Eastern Scheldt Survey, which will summarize up to date knowledge on the Eastern Scheldt Barrier and its effects.
It offers the opportunity for the Severe Storm Prediction Education and Evacuation from Disasters-center (SSPEED), the commissioner of the Survey, to give further direction to the search if required.
Being the product of much public and expert debate, the barrier and the estuary have enjoyed much attention over the last decades, resulting in numerous publications addressing a variety of topics. The findings of the exploration of these sources are grouped in three categories: (1) decision-making regarding the construction of the barrier, (2) the environmental effects, and (3) the effect on the regional spatial-economic development pattern. Within these categories, the following themes were studied:
i. Public and expert debate before, during and after construction (and its effect on policy and decision-making)
ii. Effects on hydrodynamics, sediment fluxes and morphology
iii. Effects on benthos and primary production
iv. Effects on wading birds
v. Mitigation measures
vi. Economy
vii. Land use development pattern
It offers the opportunity for the Severe Storm Prediction Education and Evacuation from Disasters-center (SSPEED), the commissioner of the Survey, to give further direction to the search if required.
Being the product of much public and expert debate, the barrier and the estuary have enjoyed much attention over the last decades, resulting in numerous publications addressing a variety of topics. The findings of the exploration of these sources are grouped in three categories: (1) decision-making regarding the construction of the barrier, (2) the environmental effects, and (3) the effect on the regional spatial-economic development pattern. Within these categories, the following themes were studied:
i. Public and expert debate before, during and after construction (and its effect on policy and decision-making)
ii. Effects on hydrodynamics, sediment fluxes and morphology
iii. Effects on benthos and primary production
iv. Effects on wading birds
v. Mitigation measures
vi. Economy
vii. Land use development pattern
Research Interests:
During the past decade, a major hurricane and multiple rain-induced flash floods have devastated parts of the Houston Galveston Bay Region in Texas. This forcefully directed attention to the extensive planning and design challenges that... more
During the past decade, a major hurricane and multiple rain-induced flash floods have devastated parts of the Houston Galveston Bay Region in Texas. This forcefully directed attention to the extensive planning and design challenges that the region faces in order to mitigate flood risk, including the complex hydraulic system, lack of zoning, and urban sprawl. Although the occasion is regrettable, these challenges make this area an interesting case study location for the TU Delft Delta Interventions Studio.
Taking climate change into account, and with the frequency of compound flood events (rainfall and surge) shown to be increasing
in the Gulf Coast, a number of urban delta planning interventions are necessary: addressing water storage capacity, reducing the impact of river and coastal flood events, enhancing risk awareness of Houstonians, and improving the livability and spatial quality of the urban zone. On a systems scale, adaptable flood mitigation is necessary to respond to the rapid developments in land use and urban sprawl, as well as to address
the effects of sea level rise and climate change. On a smaller scale, preparedness for changing water levels must become the leading design principle for individual buildings and public spaces: flood- proofing these structures and areas must be one of the design conditions. Adopting new building codes and using improved building materials and methods, smart planning and design of public spaces to enlarge water storage capacity, and a policy to restrict development in flood prone areas, will make communities more resilient.
Taking climate change into account, and with the frequency of compound flood events (rainfall and surge) shown to be increasing
in the Gulf Coast, a number of urban delta planning interventions are necessary: addressing water storage capacity, reducing the impact of river and coastal flood events, enhancing risk awareness of Houstonians, and improving the livability and spatial quality of the urban zone. On a systems scale, adaptable flood mitigation is necessary to respond to the rapid developments in land use and urban sprawl, as well as to address
the effects of sea level rise and climate change. On a smaller scale, preparedness for changing water levels must become the leading design principle for individual buildings and public spaces: flood- proofing these structures and areas must be one of the design conditions. Adopting new building codes and using improved building materials and methods, smart planning and design of public spaces to enlarge water storage capacity, and a policy to restrict development in flood prone areas, will make communities more resilient.
Research Interests:
The aim of this survey is to give a concise overview of the pre- and post-barrier functioning of the Eastern Scheldt estuary. The survey builds upon the Eastern Scheldt Memo (dated March 2016), which explored possible sources and... more
The aim of this survey is to give a concise overview of the pre- and post-barrier functioning of the Eastern Scheldt estuary. The survey builds upon the Eastern Scheldt Memo (dated March 2016), which explored possible sources and shortlisted leading publications, key institutes and contacts. In response to the memo’s reception by the commissioner of this study, the Severe Storm Prediction Education and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED)-centre, the survey has focused on two fields of interest:
1. The first field targets key environmental changes in the estuary after 1986. These have been grouped under five main categories: hydrodynamics, morphology, benthos & primary production, fish & aquaculture, and wader bird population. These include topics like salinity, channel alignment and (re)location of aquaculture plots.
2. The second field describes contemporary management- and mitigation efforts aimed to preserve the functioning of the estuary’s ecosystem.
For a full view, the two parts of this study are to be read in concert, as the survey (part 2) only elaborates on selected issues from the memo (part 1).
1. The first field targets key environmental changes in the estuary after 1986. These have been grouped under five main categories: hydrodynamics, morphology, benthos & primary production, fish & aquaculture, and wader bird population. These include topics like salinity, channel alignment and (re)location of aquaculture plots.
2. The second field describes contemporary management- and mitigation efforts aimed to preserve the functioning of the estuary’s ecosystem.
For a full view, the two parts of this study are to be read in concert, as the survey (part 2) only elaborates on selected issues from the memo (part 1).
Research Interests:
CIGAS stands for Contested Issues Game Structuring Approach. CIGAS is a practice developed specifically for contested environments, which strives to enhance participant’s insight by means of game structuring and system modeling... more
CIGAS stands for Contested Issues Game Structuring Approach. CIGAS is a practice developed specifically for contested environments, which strives to enhance participant’s insight by means of game structuring and system modeling techniques. Within this practice participants are understood to have different interests and values. The purpose is thus not to reach consensus nor to solve conflicts, but rather to explore the existing different interests, values, preferred futures, as well as the potential clusters of actions belonging to these futures and the associated restrictions, objections and hurdles. The workshop method rests on operations research traditions, using game theory and system modeling in particular. This potentially offers the participants in such a contested social negotiation a wider view on their own and others’ positions, both now and in the future. The aspiration is that this leads to commitments to joint action on the part of participants.
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Multifunctional flood defenses protect areas against flooding, but serve other functions as well. Although these types of defenses can be seen almost everywhere, they pose special technical and governance challenges. This book is about... more
Multifunctional flood defenses protect areas against flooding, but serve other functions as well. Although these types of defenses can be seen almost everywhere, they pose special technical and governance challenges.
This book is about a unique interdisciplinary research program developed to tackle some of the issues designers and managers of multifunctional flood defenses are confronted with, and also to provide some practical solutions. The book discusses a variety of case studies, but also considers the difficulties involved in setting up an interdisciplinary study with PhD students from different fields. Interviews with some of the end users and reflections by researchers involved in the field make this book a ‘must read’ for everybody who is involved in protecting societies against flooding.
ISBN 978 94 6186 808 4
This book is about a unique interdisciplinary research program developed to tackle some of the issues designers and managers of multifunctional flood defenses are confronted with, and also to provide some practical solutions. The book discusses a variety of case studies, but also considers the difficulties involved in setting up an interdisciplinary study with PhD students from different fields. Interviews with some of the end users and reflections by researchers involved in the field make this book a ‘must read’ for everybody who is involved in protecting societies against flooding.
ISBN 978 94 6186 808 4
Research Interests: Design, Hydraulics, Flood Risk Management, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Development, and 12 moreUrban Planning, Urbanism, Flood Mitigation, Landscape Urbanism, Hydraulic systems and structures, Hydraulic and Hydrology, Urban Design, Flooding, Flood Risk, Hydraulic Engineering, Floods, and Integrated design
On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Rockport, Texas as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of approximately 200 km/hour. Harvey caused severe damages in coastal Texas due to extreme winds and storm... more
On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Rockport, Texas as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of approximately 200 km/hour. Harvey caused severe damages in coastal Texas due to extreme winds and storm surge, but will go down in history for record-setting rainfall totals and flood-related damages. Across large portions of southeast Texas, rainfall totals during the six-day period between August 25 and 31, 2017 were amongst the highest ever recorded, causing flooding at an unprecedented scale. More than 100,000 residential properties are estimated to have been affected in southeast Texas. It is likely that Harvey will rank among the costliest storms in U.S. history.In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Delft University of Technology has initiated a Harvey Research Team to undertake a coordinated multidisciplinary investigation of the events with a focus on the greater Houston area. This ‘fact-finding’ research is based on information available from public sources during and in the first weeks after the event. Results are therefore preliminary, but aim to provide insight into lessons that can be learned for both Texas and the Netherlands. As part of the investigations, a hackathon with more than 80 participants was organized to collect and analyze available public information.Houston was especially hard hit by flooding. During the event, all 22 watersheds in the greater Houston area experienced flooding. Many of Houston’s creeks and bayous exceeded their channel capacities, reaching water levels never before recorded. Across large portions of Harris County, rainfall totals exceeded the 1000-year return period. In addition, the water from the two reservoirs protecting downtown Houston (Addicks and Barker) were opened on August 28 to prevent catastrophic damages to the dams and further flooding in upstream communities. The releases exacerbated flooding in the areas downstream of the dams and an estimated 4,000 homes in neighborhoods downstream of the dams were impacted by flooding. The consequences of the event in the greater Houston area have been characterized in terms of economic damages, loss of life and impacts on critical infrastructure, airports and industry. In total, more than 100,000 homes were affected more than 70 fatalities were reported in the greater Houston area. The event highlighted the vulnerability of industrial facilities, as several cascading impacts (releases of toxic materials and explosions) were reported. Emergency response has been assessed. No large-scale mandatory evacuation was ordered before or during Harvey. However, it appeared that several local evacuations were ordered for areas with specific risks and circumstances. During the event, many people were trapped by rising waters necessitating a major rescue operation. In total, more than 10,000 rescues were made by professional and volunteer rescuers. Social media played an important role during the event and recovery, as an additional source of information, to inform emergency managers and as a means to organize community response e.g. for clean-up. Also, messages were conveyed through social media, e.g. a report of a levee breach that appeared to be incorrect afterwards.Major flooding is a problem that has multiple causes from both physical and social origin. Based on the investigations, recommendations for future research and lessons for flood management have been formulated. A better understanding of the issues studied in this report is expected to contribute to a knowledge basis for further in-depth investigations and future directions for flood risk reduction.
Data collection and Report production funded by DIMI and DSysSpecial Case 'Houston Galveston Bay Region, Texas, USA'Project 'Harvey hackathon' and follow-up research.
Data collection and Report production funded by DIMI and DSysSpecial Case 'Houston Galveston Bay Region, Texas, USA'Project 'Harvey hackathon' and follow-up research.
Research Interests:
In 2008, Hurricane Ike devastated Bolivar Peninsula, narrowly missing the more heavily industrialized and populated areas in the region. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from... more
In 2008, Hurricane Ike devastated Bolivar Peninsula, narrowly missing the more heavily industrialized and populated areas in the region. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center at Rice University in Houston, and Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG) led initiatives to propose and design flood mitigation strategies.
In collaboration with TAMUG and the SSPEED Center, students and researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have been investigating regional strategies for flood risk reduction. In this publication they and their Texas counterparts reflect on the research, design, and insight that has sprouted from this collective endeavor.
In collaboration with TAMUG and the SSPEED Center, students and researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have been investigating regional strategies for flood risk reduction. In this publication they and their Texas counterparts reflect on the research, design, and insight that has sprouted from this collective endeavor.