Croatia, a country with a long history of battling floods, has announced a significant investment of €2 billion to bolster its flood defence infrastructure. This substantial investment underscores the nation's commitment to protecting its communities and critical infrastructure from the devastating impacts of flooding.
Croatia has a long and complex history of flooding, with numerous devastating events shaping its landscape and communities. The country's geographical location, with its diverse topography and extensive coastline, makes it particularly vulnerable to floods, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and extreme weather events.
The €2 billion investment will be used to fund 294 new projects, mostly in the Danube and Sava river basins, as well as in the southern Adriatic basins. The flood defence projects will include;
Dam and dike construction and upgrades - strengthening existing flood defences and constructing new barriers to protect vulnerable areas.
River channel maintenance - clearing riverbeds and improving water flow to reduce the risk of flooding.
Early warning systems - developing and implementing advanced early warning systems to alert communities of impending flood threats.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) - implementing SuDS to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the burden on traditional drainage systems.
Flood risk mapping and assessment - conducting detailed assessments to identify areas at risk of flooding and develop targeted mitigation strategies.
This significant investment demonstrates Croatia's commitment to building a more resilient future. By strengthening its flood defence infrastructure and implementing innovative solutions, Croatia aims to protect its communities, economy, and environment from the devastating impacts of flooding.
[Image credit: Ilija Ascic / shutterstock.com]
