CROSScade | UCP Knowledge Network

Overview

Status

Closed

Start
1 March 2022

End
29 February 2024

Type: Cross-border prevention and preparedness and marine pollution (Track 2)

EU contribution amount: EUR 498 019.46 (EU contirbution)

Funding source: Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)

Contact email: ECHO-CP-KNOWLEDGE-NETWORK-PLATFORM@ec.europa.eu

Description

The Cross-border cascading risk management for critical infrastructure in the Sava River Basin (CROSScade) project will focus on analysing cross-border risks between Slovenia and Croatia caused by earthquakes and floods, as well as possible subsequent cascading sequences of events along the Sava River.

These two neighbouring countries are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and river flooding for two reasons. Firstly, they are near the ends of major European river systems, and secondly, their positions are in seismically active areas (the juncture of three geotectonic units: the Alps in the north and west; the Dinarides in the southern, south-western and central part; and the Pannonian Basin in the northeast).

As a result of the recent earthquakes in Croatia (in March and December of 2020), the integrity of the flood protection system and transportation networks was significantly damaged. By focusing on the earthquake aftermath, critical infrastructure managers (CIMs) and Civil Protection Authorities (CPAs) overlooked the impact of floods caused by the earthquake-induced failures in the flood protection system. Therefore, CROSScade focuses on the vulnerability of the flood protection system, hydropower plant dams, and transport infrastructure, which are vital for CIMs, CPAs, and disaster relief operations.

The project will deliver a cross-border risk assessment methodology and action plans that will increase the structural resilience of critical infrastructure and enhance transboundary communication between CIMs and CPAs. The methodology will be demonstrated in the cross-border pilot area of the Sava River Basin. Action plans will be formulated to increase resilience in the region.

The consortium includes five partners from Croatia and Slovenia who have a proven track record in collaboration in previous H2020 and EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) projects (the most relevant being oVERFLOw and BORIS, in addition to the design and post-hazard integrity assessment of critical infrastructure.