Projects

Strengthening flood preparedness in Romania using the Ready2Respond framework

We were commissioned by the World Bank to assess Romania’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) system. This assignment aimed to reduce the risk of flooding and enhance Romania’s flood risk management plans.

Enhancing flood preparedness

Despite implementing a range of flood mitigation measures, Romania continues to face significant residual risks from flooding, particularly during severe events. The EU Floods Directive, introduced to reduce and manage flood risks across Europe, requires member states to develop and implement Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) in six-year cycles.

The second cycle of the Floods Directive presented an opportunity to address gaps identified during the first cycle, strengthening Romania’s flood preparedness and response capabilities. This project focused on assessing Romania’s EP&R system to identify institutional capacity gaps and propose actionable, economically viable measures. The objective was to develop a preparedness package that will help to reduce loss of life and economic impacts during flood events.

What did we do?

Using the World Bank’s Ready2Respond Framework, we conducted a thorough evaluation of Romania’s EP&R system, engaging stakeholders at national, regional, and local levels. Key activities included:

Stakeholder engagement: Targeted interviews and workshops involved the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Romanian Waters, the National Hydro-Meteorological Service, the General Inspectorate of Emergency Situations, and State and Local Administrations.
Workshops and scenario-based exercises: These collaborative activities supported cross-agency discussions, identified system strengths and weaknesses, and facilitated the development of actionable improvements.
Cost-benefit analysis: Demonstrated the economic viability of proposed measures, ensuring alignment with ongoing projects and stakeholder priorities.

A tailored preparedness package

In collaboration with the World Bank, we developed a practical preparedness package designed to be implemented incrementally. This package was tailored to Romania’s local risk context and institutional structure and included:

Targeted recommendations for capacity building and institutional strengthening.
Economically viable measures supported by a high return on investment, enhancing system sustainability and effectiveness.
A clear roadmap for reducing life and economic losses during flood events.

A stronger EP&R system for Romania

This assignment provides Romania with a robust foundation for managing residual flood risks and responding effectively to future events. Key outcomes include:

A strengthened EP&R system informed by cross-agency collaboration and scenario-based learning.
Improved flood risk management strategies that align with the second cycle of the Floods Directive.
A cost-effective preparedness package offering long-term resilience benefits for national, regional, and local stakeholders.

Looking ahead: A scalable model for flood preparedness

This project demonstrates how targeted assessments and practical measures can enhance EP&R systems, reduce flood risks, and improve disaster response. By combining strategic analysis with actionable recommendations, this work not only supports Romania’s compliance with EU directives but also offers a scalable model for other regions seeking to strengthen flood preparedness and response capabilities.

To learn more about our work in Romania, contact our team.

Location:

Romania

Client:

The World Bank

Expertise:

Emergency preparedness and response

Strategic investment planning

Training and capacity building

Delivered By:

JBA Consulting

Partners & Collaborators:

Ministry of Environment and Water Resources

Romanian Waters

National Hydro-Meteorological Service

General Inspectorate of Emergency Situations,

State and Local Administrations

Contact our team to learn more about this project.

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