This paper presents a methodology for assessing spatial and temporal uncertainty associated with flood risk management. Traditional modelling approaches focus on either temporal or spatial variability, but not both. There is a need to understand the dynamic characteristics of flood risk and its spatial variability.

We present a diagnostic framework to assess changes in flood risk across multiple scales in a river network, under nonstationary conditions or in the absence of historical hydro-meteorological data. The framework combines calibration-free hydrological and hydraulic models with urban development information to demonstrate altered flood risk.

The extent of losses avoided as a result of a warning is a key measure of warning system effectiveness. Tools to estimate the impact of warnings on losses are limited to postflood analysis or estimates of potential rather than actual damages. This paper illustrates a method for the appraisal of actual damages when a flood warning is issued.

Flood management has until recently emphasised investment and trust in constructed solutions that rely mainly on structural robustness. However, there has been a shift in the attitudes and policies towards flood risk management that emphasises a systems approach in which robustness and resilience now have an equal part to play.

In many Caribbean countries a lack of established good practice methods means that engineers and planners are often unable to plan for and mitigate floods effectively. In most Caribbean states rainfall intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves are not readily available.