This earlier assessment concludes that the length of rivers threatened by flooding in Kosovo is about 491 km. Approximately 140 km has been regulated (28%). A more recent assessment of flood risk has been undertaken: Vulnerability Risk Analysis and Mapping (VRAM), Flash Flood Risk Assessment over Kosovo, November 2012, World Health Organization, and Luxembourg Government Funds, the results of which are shown in the figure below. The Climate Change Framework Strategy adopted in 2014 by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning also examines the future risk of flooding in Kosovo in the light of anticipated climate change, and concludes that the frequency and intensity of climate events is likely to increase the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas. The levels of flood risk and the level of economic damage arising from flooding are exacerbated by anthropogenic factors including: Poor condition of river channels arising from: Insufficient maintenance of flood channels Dumping of waste into flood channels Unauthorised gravel extraction Poor condition of flood embankments Damage to flood embankments Insufficient maintenance Construction in the flood risk area Measures to rectify these problems can clearly be identified in general, but the extent of need in each flood risk area has not yet been fully assessed. Therefore it remains difficult to estimate the likely investment need to achieve acceptable levels of flood risk management. A recent study (funded by the European Commission) provided a preliminary estimate of basic flood risk investment needs in parts of the Morava I Binces basin of approximately €10 million. Given the size of the basin in relation to the country as a whole, and the level food risk identified in that basin, as shown in the figure below, it is reasonable to postulate that flood risk investment cost needs could be of a similar order of magnitude to those for storm water drainage, i.e. about €100 million. However, this value only provides “an indication of scale”. Further detailed examination of this issue must be undertaken through the preparation of flood risk management plans as required under the European Union Directive on Flood Risk Management (2007/60/EC). Figure 5 Flash Flood Hazard Level Distribution Map for Kosovo Dam Safety Risk of flooding also arises from potential dam failures. The Water Task Force published an assessment of Dam Safety in October 2012, which concluded that: The legal frame work does not adequately define roles and responsibilities There is no monitoring of the dams since 1997 The database of the design is in the order of 40 to 50 years old – it is outdated Some dams have individual safety related deficits which have to be corrected
This earlier assessment concludes that the length of rivers threatened by flooding in Kosovo is about 491 km. Approximately 140 km has been regulated (28%). A more recent assessment of flood risk has been undertaken: Vulnerability Risk Analysis and Mapping (VRAM), Flash Flood Risk Assessment over Kosovo, November 2012, World Health Organization, and Luxembourg Government Funds, the results of which are shown in the figure below. The Climate Change Framework Strategy adopted in 2014 by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning also examines the future risk of flooding in Kosovo in the light of anticipated climate change, and concludes that the frequency and intensity of climate events is likely to increase the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas. The levels of flood risk and the level of economic damage arising from flooding are exacerbated by anthropogenic factors including: Poor condition of river channels arising from: Insufficient maintenance of flood channels Dumping of waste into flood channels Unauthorised gravel extraction Poor condition of flood embankments Damage to flood embankments Insufficient maintenance Construction in the flood risk area Measures to rectify these problems can clearly be identified in general, but the extent of need in each flood risk area has not yet been fully assessed. Therefore it remains difficult to estimate the likely investment need to achieve acceptable levels of flood risk management. A recent study (funded by the European Commission) provided a preliminary estimate of basic flood risk investment needs in parts of the Morava I Binces basin of approximately €10 million. Given the size of the basin in relation to the country as a whole, and the level food risk identified in that basin, as shown in the figure below, it is reasonable to postulate that flood risk investment cost needs could be of a similar order of magnitude to those for storm water drainage, i.e. about €100 million. However, this value only provides “an indication of scale”. Further detailed examination of this issue must be undertaken through the preparation of flood risk management plans as required under the European Union Directive on Flood Risk Management (2007/60/EC). Figure 5 Flash Flood Hazard Level Distribution Map for Kosovo Dam Safety Risk of flooding also arises from potential dam failures. The Water Task Force published an assessment of Dam Safety in October 2012, which concluded that: The legal frame work does not adequately define roles and responsibilities There is no monitoring of the dams since 1997 The database of the design is in the order of 40 to 50 years old – it is outdated Some dams have individual safety related deficits which have to be corrected