Assessing Surface Water Flood Mitigation Strategies: A Global Comparative Review

Abstract

The discourse on climate change has brought to the fore the pressing need for improved flood management strategies. Recent trends indicate a surge in flooding incidents in residential areas, which can potentially disrupt socio-economic activities and result in loss of lives. This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to comprehensively assess and compare various flood mitigation strategies employed in residential zoning practices globally. Residential zoning in New Zealand means a designated area of land specifically set aside for housing development, with rules and regulations governing the density and type of dwellings that can be built there to maintain a suitable living environment for residents. Research articles published between 2001 and 2024 focused on flood reduction strategies were collected, synthesised, and analysed. A predefined review protocol guided this approach, involving searches in widely used electronic databases. Ninety-three articles were ultimately included in the review. The findings highlight several key areas, including the impact of strategies on flood susceptibility, the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting systems and green infrastructure in flood management, and the importance of sustainable urban development and ecological preservation. Proposed strategies, such as neighbourhood and site planning, regional planning, stormwater management, green roofs, permeable pavements, and regulatory measures, offer valuable pathways for safeguarding water resources in urban planning efforts. The study advances knowledge in urban planning, environmental sustainability, and residential zoning practices. It also provides an overview of current approaches for mitigating flooding and identifies research gaps for future studies.