BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam//NONSGML v1.0//EN NAME:PhD defence A. Matano METHOD:PUBLISH BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260529T114500 DTEND:20260529T131500 DTSTAMP:20260529T114500 UID:phd-defence-a-matano@8F96275E-9F55-4B3F-A143-836282E12573 CREATED:20260925T024137 LOCATION:Main building VU, 1105, Aula, De Boelelaan, 1081 HV, Amsterdam SUMMARY:PhD defence A. Matano X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

From Drought to Floo d

Drought can amplify floods, but sometimes help prevent them

Drought and floods are usually viewed as separate disaste rs, but the research of researcher on hydrological extremes and multi -risk dynamics in humanitarian contexts, Alessia Matanó, shows that they are much more closely linked than is often thought. In fact, how an area experiences a drought can have a major impact on the severit y and timing of floods that follow.

Matanó examined the interp lay between hydrological processes and human behavior during extreme weather events. In doing so, she looked at how drought affects the dy namics of subsequent floods - not only in soil and hydrology, but als o in society.

Drought can change soil properties
The study shows that drought can change soil properties, causin g rainwater to be absorbed and drained differently. As a result, floo ds can occur more quickly or take a different course than existing mo dels predict. According to Matanó, many current hydrological models do not adequately account for these complex and changeable processes.

In addition, human behavior plays an important role. During dr oughts, communities often adjust their water use, farming methods and natural resource management. Such adjustments can later have unexpec ted impacts on flood risks - both positive and negative.

A stri king conclusion from the study is that multiple extreme events do not automatically lead to greater damage. In some situations, successive or simultaneous hazards may actually mitigate each other. This depen ds heavily on local topography, water resources and social conditions .

Opportunities for smarter water managementThe research findings have important implications for future water and risk management. Matanó : "Drought and flood policies need to be much better coordinated. Now these risks are often still dealt with separately by different agencies and within separate policy framework s." The findings also point to opportunities for smarter water manage ment. For example, excess water during floods can be used strategical ly to replenish groundwater, making regions better prepared for futur e droughts.

At the same time, Matanó emphasizes that risk mana gement must remain practical. Systems where multiple hazards converge are complex, but policymakers and emergency services need clear and useful tools to make quick decisions. With climate change making both droughts and extreme precipitation more common, Matanó underscores the need for an integrated approach to water and disaster management.

Learn more about the dissertation

DESCRIPTION: From Drought to Flood

Drought can amplify floods, but sometimes help prevent them

Drought and floods are usually viewe d as separate disasters, but the research of researcher on hydrologic al extremes and multi-risk dynamics in humanitarian contexts, Alessia Matanó, shows that they are much more closely linked than is often thought. In fact, how an area experiences a drought can have a major impact on the severity and timing of floods that follow.Matanó exami ned the interplay between hydrological processes and human behavior d uring extreme weather events. In doing so, she looked at how drought affects the dynamics of subsequent floods - not only in soil and hydr ology, but also in society.Drought can change soil properties
The study shows that drought can change soil properties, causing rainwater to be absorbed and drained differently. As a resul t, floods can occur more quickly or take a different course than exis ting models predict. According to Matanó, many current hydrological models do not adequately account for these complex and changeable pro cesses.In addition, human behavior plays an important role. During dr oughts, communities often adjust their water use, farming methods and natural resource management. Such adjustments can later have unexpec ted impacts on flood risks - both positive and negative.A striking co nclusion from the study is that multiple extreme events do not automa tically lead to greater damage. In some situations, successive or sim ultaneous hazards may actually mitigate each other. This depends heav ily on local topography, water resources and social conditions.Opportunities for smarter water management
The research findings have important implications for future water and risk manag ement. Matanó : "Drought and flood policies need to be much better c oordinated. Now these risks are often still dealt with separately by different agencies and within separate policy frameworks." The findin gs also point to opportunities for smarter water management. For exam ple, excess water during floods can be used strategically to replenis h groundwater, making regions better prepared for future droughts.At the same time, Matanó emphasizes that risk management must remain pr actical. Systems where multiple hazards converge are complex, but pol icymakers and emergency services need clear and useful tools to make quick decisions. With climate change making both droughts and extreme precipitation more common, Matanó underscores the need for an integ rated approach to water and disaster management.Learn more about the dissertation END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR