If the Seine rises to historic levels, Paris officials want to be ready. Earlier this month, an 11-day drill sought to prepare the city for what would happen if the Seine and Marne Rivers rose above their banks.
The 1910 flood of Paris saw much of the city submerged as the River Seine rose 26 feet above its normal level. In preparation for what continues to be a looming threat of a repeat, Parisian first responders carried out drills over an 11 day period (March 7 to March 18th) to practice in case of a real emergency. The drills, known as Operation Sequena 2016, were arranged by France’s Urban Planning Institute. Serina Sandhu writes in The Independent that part of the exercise is also to test how different agencies communicate in the time of crisis.
The most important part of the exercise, they said, was for the big operators such as the Interministerial Crisis Centre and regional authorities to exchange information on crisis management. The chain of decision-making will also be tested.
The exercise will also test how almost 90 public and private institutions such as hospitals, energy firms and waste disposal companies cope with the situation, France 24 reported.
A flood of this magnitude could result in damages of over $20 billion dollars, affecting as many as 830,000 people who live in the flood zone.
FULL STORY: Paris prepares for possible deluge similar to 1910 Great Flood
FEMA Resilience Program Cuts Grant Funding
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program funded projects from flood prevention to power station upgrades.
How US Communities Are Building Resilience Against Flooding
Flooding causes over $400 billion in damage in the United States every year.
How US Cities Can Prepare for Climate Disasters
Resilience, encompassing infrastructure, governance, economic strength, and social cohesion, is critical for cities to mitigate rising climate risks like flooding, wildfires, and heat, ensuring long-term recovery and adaptability.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service