Flood hazard datasets#
Riverine flooding is when streams and rivers exceed the capacity of their natural or constructed channels to accommodate water flow and water overflows the banks, spilling out into adjacent low-lying, dry land.
The flood hazard maps inundation along the river network, for five different flood (return periods) (from 1-in-20-years, 1-in-50-years, 1-in-100-years, 1-in-200-years 1-in-500-years). The input river flow data for the new maps are produced by means of the open-source hydrological model LISFLOOD, while inundation simulations are performed with the hydrodynamic model LISFLOOD-FP. The extent comprises most of the geographical Europe and all the river basins entering the Mediterranean and Black Seas in the Caucasus, Middle East and Northern Africa countries. Flood hazard maps are generated for river basins > 150km2. Cell values indicate water depth (in m). The maps can be used to assess the exposure of population and economic assets to river floods, and to perform flood risk assessments. The hazard maps do not account for the effect of flood defence structure (e.g. dikes, barriers) in lowering the hazard intensity.
Important
The flood maps illustrated in the map viewer are a first assessment; they indicate where a detailed flood risk analysis should be undertaken.
The flood hazard maps are created as part of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service within EU Joint Research Centre (JRC).
This map shows exposure layers representing Buildings and Built-up density retrieved from Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL). The map also shows national boundaries (NUTS regions - level 0), but also regions of lower levels up to second level of NUTS regions.
Tip
Use the map layer icon in the top-right corner of the map to select and compare different hazard map layers.