Preparedness of SEVESO Establishment for NATECH Accident - Lessons Learned From Floods in 2024

Natural hazards can cause Natech accidents by triggering dangerous events such as fire, explosions, and toxic releases in industry. As a result of the Natech accidents, a significant loss of life, environment, and property is experienced. Natech accident, which occurred in the industry, can be classified as a major accident according to European regulation SEVESO Directive (EC, 2013). Therefore, it is extremely important to pay attention to risk management of Natech accidents. With the expected increase in intensity and frequency of natural events from climate change, Natech risks presenting increasing concern in risk prevention and risk management at local, national and international level (EC, 2020).
This paper is focused on selected natural hazards–floods, which directly endangered SEVESO chemical plants in 2024 in the Czech Republic. The floods began on Friday, September 13, as a result of the collision of two frontal systems over the Central European area, which brought persistent rain. They affected most of the territory of the Czech Republic, its neighbouring countries, as well as Croatia and Romania. A total of 262 watercourses reached one of the flood degrees (from 1 to 3 level). More than 55 measuring points recorded 100-year water level. The experiences and lessons learned from the floods occurred in 1997 and 2002 on the territory of the Czech Republic, significantly contributed to minor losses to the surroundings as a result of uncontrolled chemical substance releases.
This paper discusses the occurrence of Natech risk - floods in the Czech Republic from the perspective of Seveso establishment, gives examples from the past and proposes a way of prevention, preparedness and mitigation. It concludes with recommendations on how to prepare for floods that can reoccur in future.

Keywords: Natech accident, Floods, Major accident, SEVESO facility, Risk management.