Risk-Based Prioritisation for the Installation of Debris Flow Early Warning Systems in Drainage Catchments

This work illustrates how a combination of desk studies and cost-effective targeted surveys can identify areas at high risk from debris flows. The study was developed to support the trial installation of a novel monitoring and early warning system (MEWS) by evaluating the susceptibility, the likely debris flow magnitude, and the impact on the built environment. The assessment considers morphometric parameters, existing approaches to transported volume quantification, and publicly available data on exposure and vulnerability.The methodology is exemplified for a test study area (Central Val Camonica, Italian Alps).

Keywords: Debris flow, Risk-based decision making, Early warning system, Resources allocation, Geological risk management, People safety, Infrastructure resilience.