Comprehensive Framework for the Assessment of Multi-Level Pluvial Flood Risk

Abstract

Urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to pluvial floods, a threat that is exacerbated by climate change and urbanisation. Current risk assessment methods often lack scalability and practical applicability across diverse urban contexts and varying capacities. This study introduces a novel comprehensive framework for multi-level pluvial flood risk assessment, which provides a systematic approach to evaluating hazard, exposure, and vulnerability across citywide, catchment, and sub-catchment levels. By integrating geographic information systems with adaptive modelling techniques, the framework enables resource-efficient prioritisation and dynamic risk management tailored to urban development and climate change scenarios. Case studies based on Estonian cities illustrate how this approach can guide effective flood risk mitigation at various spatial scales.