Guidance on water supply and sanitation in extreme weather events
This document is intended to provide an overview on why and how adaptation policies should consider the vulnerability of, and new risk elements for, health and environment arising from water services management during adverse weather episodes. It reviews the issue of trends and impacts of extremes events and raises awareness about the need to re-assess the tools and capacities to cope with such extremes, including international framework and inter-agency programmes promoting disaster resilience and the introduction of risk reduction strategies into policies of adaptation to climate change; recalls the basic disaster preparedness and early warning principles; provides advice on communication issues; addresses the vulnerability of coastal areas and bathing waters; discusses the impact on human health; places extreme weather events in the context of water safety plans; and formulates advice for adaptation measures for water supply and sanitation services during such events.