In recent years, floods and increasing amounts of heavy precipitation had negative impacts on human health and property. Next to public risk management measures, the involvement of the population and thus, greater awareness and sensitisation to natural hazards, is crucially important. Interactive physical models of natural hazards represent valuable tools for risk communication.
A study carried out by the University of the German Federal Armed Forces Munich provides an analysis of existing hazard models. Best designs, practices and methodological approaches were identified to develop a new prototype. An interactive physical natural hazard model representing a fictitious pre-Alpine landscape was created. River floods, heavy rain events, a landslide as well as torrential processes can be simulated. Thanks to the high flexibility of the model and the mobility of the elements, various topics about technical protection as well as personal and building precautions can be visually communicated.
The project was funded by AlpGov2, assigned by the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection and supervised by the Bavarian Environment Agency. A final report on the study of physical natural hazard models is available in English and German. The construction plans of the newly developed prototype can be acquired by EUSALP partners. This allows duplication and modification of the prototype within the Alpine region.
