Flood Risk Assessment in Montenegro – The Current State

Floods, with their significant risks to human lives and infrastructure, are a shared concern. They are caused by various factors, including heavy rainfall, snow melting, high sea levels, and human-made influences. In Montenegro, these risks have intensified due to climate change and urbanization. In a collaborative effort to align with European Union (EU) directives on flood management, Montenegro has developed Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) for the Danube River Basin and the Adriatic Sea Basin. This paper outlines the process undertaken in Montenegro, as mandated by EU regulations, to prepare these plans. Key steps include the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA), flood hazard and risk mapping, and Flood Risk Management Planning. Legal frameworks, such as Directive 2007/60/EC and national legislation, guide the process. The PFRA involves analyzing past flood events, assessing potential future risks considering climate change, and identifying Areas of Potential Significant Flood Risk (APSFR). In Montenegro, 21 APSFR areas have been identified across the Danube River and Adriatic Sea Basin. Flood hazard and risk maps are then developed using hydrological data and hydraulic models, categorizing sites based on flood intensity and vulnerability. The risk matrix method is employed for risk assessment, considering the probability of flooding and potential adverse consequences. Finally, risk maps are generated to visualize flood risks across different land-use categories. This comprehensive and collaborative approach, meticulously designed, provides a robust framework for effective flood risk management in Montenegro, aiming to mitigate the impact of floods on society and the environment.