Urban floods: assessing the effects of sea level rise and mitigation

12nd International Conference on Urban Drainage, Porto Alegre/Brazil, 10-15 September 2011

Urban floods: assessing the effects of sea level rise and mitigation measures
J. O. Nali1* and D. Rigo2
1 2

Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Vitória, ES, Brazil Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Vitória, ES, Brazil
*Corresponding author, e-mail [e-mail]

ABSTRACT
One of the most important consequences of climatic changes, especially for coastal cities, is the Mean Sea Level (MSL) rise, which will cause enormous need of adaptation and reorganization of urban spaces. This study aims at developing a methodology to assess the effects of this rise on drainage systems of coastal cities like Vitória (ES, Brazil). A diagnosis of urban floods in city and a prognosis based on MSL rise scenarios of 0.4m, 0.6m and 1.5m were carried out. This analysis allowed mapping the vulnerable areas and identifying flood critical points in the city drainage system. It was verified that the tide is already capable of compromising the drainage system in many parts of city. With the simulated sea-level rise, these effects are worsened, reaching a larger part of the city and a larger number of people. For each scenario analyzed, mitigation measures grouped into three categories (retreat, adaptation and protection) have been offered in compliance with the terminology proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The information generated in this study can be inserted in municipal management instruments, and the methodology proposed can be applied to other coastal regions similar to Vitória.

KEYWORDS
Drainage system, flooded area, flood scenarios, mean sea level rise, mitigation measures, tidal flooding.

INTRODUCTION
One of the most significant consequences of climates changes, especially for coastal cities, is the Mean Sea Level (MSL) rise. Sea-level rise can be a result of global warming