Efficient Risk Management for Natural Hazards – The Example of Flood Hazards

Austria's exposure to natural hazards is particularly high. Due to inadequate spatial planning, 12 percent of the building stock in Austria is potentially at risk and almost 9 percent is classified as highly at risk from flooding. A greater emphasis on preventive efforts is an essential prerequisite for an efficient system of risk management capable of meeting future challenges. Efficient risk sharing comprises the withdrawal of the state from the indemnification of losses, broad (and mostly obligatory) insurance coverage for those potentially at risk, and comprehensive state involvement in preventive efforts, disaster protection and emergency relief in the case of force majeure events.