Damaging Hydro-Geological Events: Definitions, Methods and Case Studies

This study's approach is based on the analysis of past Damaging Hydrogeological Events (DHEs), which can be defined as periods characterised by heavy rainfall inducing such damaging phenomena as landslides and floods. The proposed work is focused on the relationships between these phenomena and the characteristics of triggered rainfall, to supply useful suggestions for early detection and damage mitigation. The analysis of past DHEs allows for the characterisation of the main types of DHEs, which affected a selected area in the past and could affect it again in the future. The characterisation is based on triggering scenarios (meteorological conditions preceding the occurrence of DHEs), DHE's effects (damage caused by landslides and floods) and triggering factors (rainfall of different durations). Based on these characteristics, the typical DHEs affecting a study area can be ranked according to their severity, and specific emergency management can be planned to successfully manage them.