Global Innovations in Flood Prevention: Unique Solutions from Around the World

Floating Houses in IJburg (Van der Burg, Aldershoff, & Kramer, 2011).

February 3, 2025  •  KHLOE LIM

Different parts of the world share the struggle of creating viable solutions for a seemingly universal problem: flooding. Regardless of its causes, its consequences remain no less devastating to those affected (Denchak, 2023). In 2023, the number of deaths caused by flooding amounted to 7,600 worldwide, with over 30 million people either injured, ill, or displaced from their homes (Statista, 2024). In the Philippines alone, a total of 100 deaths were reported within the same year (Statista, 2024). Having established its gravity, proper disaster prevention is crucial to minimize the repercussions of such disasters. Through consistent efforts in research, knowledge-sharing, and the aspiration to solve a longstanding problem, different cities across the globe have formulated unique responses in furtherance of flood prevention.

Spong Cities design in China (Choi, 2024)

Several locations in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, have adopted Sponge Cities as a flood prevention measure. Invented by Kongjian Yu in 2015, Sponge Cities aim to innovate and even augment nature by utilizing it to counter flooding. By creating a space where plants can reside with little to no maintenance, Sponge Cities can double as a “sponge” for surrounding areas and absorb water whenever it rains, hence the name (Choi, 2024). Still, many improvements must be made to address its limitations. Experts say that Sponge Cities can only hold up to 200 millimeters of rainwater per day, which is insufficient during the country’s rainy season (Stanway, 2023). 

Tokyo’s Underground Flood Protection System (Japan National Tourism Organization, n.d.).

As one of the most calamity-prone countries, Japan conducted years of research in disaster prevention, leadingthem to develop the underground temple to combat flooding. Contrary to popular belief, the structure is not a temple but rather a part of Japan’s projects to prevent flooding in Northern Tokyo. Also known as the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel (MAOUDC), the cathedral is situated 72 feet underground, with its interconnected system of tunnels spanning a length of 6.3 kilometers (Ortiz, 2022). Additionally, the underground temple hasa capacity of 13 billion gallons and is connected to the Edo River, where it can release 200 metric tons of water per second (Giuroiu, 2024). This underground temple has been effective in preventing floods within Tokyo, but as climate change continues to worsen, several upgrades must be made to heighten the structure’s efficiency (Bateman & Kato, 2024).

Floating homes in the Netherlands (Steinmetz, 2022).

The Netherlands, with half of its landmass below sea level, is continuously seeking ways to resolve both its flooding and housing problems. In an effort to remedy both, several architects have designed floating houses across different areas within Amsterdam (Dutch Docklands, 2022). Situated in the neighborhoods of Ijburg, Schoonschip, and Waterbuurt, this innovation stems from the idea of houses being built on bodies of water instead of draining it to reach the land, such as in reclamation projects. The houses are built on the shore with metal steel poles that connect to the local sewer system and the power grid, acting as its foundation. In place of a basement, these houses also make use of concrete hulls to remain stable amidst erratic waters (Chayka, 2024). Despite this, many challenges remain as the country’s sea levels continue to rise, which may engulf the shores on which these houses reside (Molenar & De Graaf, n.d.).

Multipurpose Stormwater Barrier (Falk, 2024).

Another noteworthy innovation is Denmark’s Green Climate Screen, which alternates between acting as a noise barrier and an absorption screen for rainwater instead of sending it to a nearby sewer. Designed in 2019 by Professor Marina Bergen Jensen from the University of Copenhagen, the screen is built to hold 10-year-rain through evaporation and percolation, which is the same amount as a public sewer (State of Green, 2020). In the event of extreme rain, the water is funneled to a neighboring area and is then absorbed there (Jensen, n.d.). Through this solution, rain is handled above ground, removing the need to build intensive infrastructures, such as tunnels and intricate sewer systems. Though as Denmark suffered from repeated floods last year, its effectiveness in handling heavy floods has yet to be seen (Hivert, 2024). 

All in all, cities around the world are making continuous efforts to develop innovative ways to cope with floods. As several factors continue to build up, such as the rapidly evolving climate landscape, it comes as no surprise that how it is countered must also evolve.  In today’s modern age where the youth has developed to become active stakeholders in societal matters, it is vital to provide further empowerment to their sector as it may result in further improvements or new inventions to combat the problem. With that said, it is crucial that they be provided a platform, not against but rather in congruence with like -minded stakeholders, in addressing current and future issues. As such, the NOVUS Case Competition aims to amplify youth voices by providing them with a platform to produce and present innovations to solve modern climate problems with sustainable development in mind. Lastly, through partnerships with national and international organizations, such as the Urban Land Institute Philippines, TAJARA Hospitality, and the  Asian Institute of Management, NOVUS also aims to empower their participants by giving them an opportunity to connect with large stakeholders and possibly bring their solutions to life.