Course 3 - Dam-break flood risk modelling and emergency planning

Effective Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) at high-hazard potential dams are crucial for minimizing loss of life and property damage from dam failures. Enhancing dam safety and preparedness among dam owners, operators, safety managers, emergency officials, and downstream communities is essential for risk mitigation.

This course focuses on the critical components of EAPs, detailing their objectives, implementation responsibilities, and the significance of early warning systems allowing the participants to develop a comprehensive understanding of emergency levels and their implications.

The course integrates historical dam failures, legal frameworks, hydraulic and hydrological principles, and practical exercises, offering a thorough exploration of dam safety and emergency planning. Participants will develop advanced skills in hydraulic modelling, mastering dam-break flood hydrograph estimation and downstream flood propagation analysis. By using HEC-RAS software, they will engage in practical sessions to simulate flood scenarios, ensuring precise delineation of flood areas and enhancing their capability in emergency response planning for dam-related incidents.

Emergency planning at the dam level covers detection and classification of events and dam anomalies, response actions and notification. The course also examines emergency planning in downstream valleys, namely warning and evacuation, highlighting Portuguese and Brazilian experiences. By analysing catastrophic case studies, participants will gain critical insights into civil defence strategies, challenges, and solutions, enhancing their emergency preparedness and response capabilities.