FLOOD EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS (FEWS) IN ENHANCING DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

The increasing frequency and severity of flood events necessitate robust Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) to mitigate disaster impacts and enhance community resilience. This systematic review aims to synthesise recent advances and practices in FEWS and their effectiveness in fostering resilient communities. This study addresses challenges of integrating technological innovations and community engagement to improve flood preparedness and response. Methodologically, a comprehensive scholarly literature search was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering publications from 2021 onwards. The flow of the study is based on the PRISMA framework. The analysis was based on a total of (n=238) articles were screened, with (n=32) studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The study yielded results indicating that integrating technological innovations, community engagement, local knowledge, policy intervention, and investment are imperative in improving community resilience through Flood EWS. The economic analyses indicated that such systems are cost-effective and have strong community backing. Notably, the identification and classification of digital tools in disaster education, local knowledge in context, the role of community engagement, and the technological systems, as well as the place and importance of policy and cost intervention, all emerged as important themes. In this regard, the study makes a call for further research towards the development of integrated, adaptable, and community-based FEWS frameworks that cater to the needs and conditions of specific places. By so doing, this research provides a comprehensive review that supplies critical information for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers working advancement and implementation of flood EWS to enhance resilient communities in the wake of increasing flood risk.