Bruno Janet – Scientific and technical adviser to the Schapi, DGPR, Ministry of Ecology (testimony from the “30 years of research for flood prevention” dossier – 2022)
“The Schapi runs the VIGICRUES network and coordinates flood forecasting at national level, in particular by managing the VIGICRUES website. To improve its effectiveness and prepare for the future, the Schapi works with scientific bodies. Within this framework, I manage the DGPR-INRAE agreement on 3 aspects: improving forecasting tools and calculating uncertainties, improving techniques for estimating flows, and understanding flash floods in ungauged catchment areas. I also follow up on specific needs such as adapting tools for overseas territories, providing expert assessments, or monitoring research projects such as the PICS project on flash flood forecasting. Scientists provide us with ideas that we compare with operational questions as part of a partnership-building process. In this way, we have improved the reliability of forecasts using hydrological models and developed a flash flood warning service, VIGICRUES Flash. In 2023, a symposium organised with the Société Hydrotechnique de France will review 20 years of science-based flood forecasting. But there are still many challenges to be met to improve forecasts: using global weather forecasts, harnessing artificial intelligence, extending vigilance to the whole of France, and communicating better about uncertainties.”
Testimonial from our thematic dossier
Thematic dossier
30 years of research into flood prevention
The risk of flooding is the leading natural hazard in France in terms of impact and extent. As experts in water-related risks, six INRAE scientific teams are helping to implement flood prevention policy. They are working on tools and methods for forecasting and preventing this risk, which are presented in this dossier.
