Safeture and Riskline— specialised in travel risk analysis and management—highlight the increase in floods and flooding worldwide and offer advice on how travellers should respond in such situations.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2024 is already one of the most extreme weather years of the past century. Floods affect more people worldwide than many other natural events—and climate change is further intensifying this trend. Forty-four million people across 14 countries were impacted by the floods.
A Clear Wake-Up Call for Travellers and Businesses
“The increasing frequency and severity of floods worldwide is a clear wake-up call for travellers and businesses. At Safeture and Riskline, our mission is to provide comprehensive, up-to-date information so that people are prepared for these extreme situations and can travel safely,” says Marcel Brandt, Director of DACH & Strategic Business Development at Safeture.
As extreme weather events can severely impact travel plans and infrastructure, Safeture and Riskline strongly advise travellers to stay informed about local conditions and follow on-site safety instructions to minimise risks during and after a flooding event. For travellers affected by floods, they offer the following tips:
- Avoid crossing flooded roads or exposed coastal areas.
- Move to higher ground immediately if you are surprised by rising waters.
- Stay alert for landslide warning signs, such as cracks in the ground or rumbling sounds.
- Check the feasibility of planned routes before travelling and monitor local weather reports.
- Prepare for extended power outages and communication disruptions.
- Avoid staying in or around damaged buildings.
- Take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in flooded areas.
Read more in tma-online.