Early Warning Early Action for Flash Flood Disasters

Not all floods are created equal. Flash floods have distinct temporal and spatial characteristics relative to other flood types - especially considering the socioeconomic drivers of impact from flash floods. Early warning systems exist for floods in many countries, however they are rarely linked to anticipatory actions that can decrease risk of a flash flood disaster. However Early Warning Early Action (EWEA) systems present an opportunity to link flash flood impact-based forecasts to humanitarian funding for early action based on in-depth forecast information and risk analysis. Here, we will discuss lessons learned in development of one of the first global Early Warning Early Action Protocols for flash floods.