北方暴雨频发，多地突发山洪 对话水文专家徐宗学：防洪何以“为水让路”

Core Viewpoint - The recent extreme weather events, particularly the flash floods in Inner Mongolia, highlight the urgent need for a robust disaster prevention system in the face of increasing rainfall and flooding in traditionally arid northern regions [1][2]. Group 1: Flood Risk Characteristics - Northern cities are experiencing unprecedented rainfall, which, while appearing abnormal, aligns with historical hydrological cycles, indicating a shift from drought to a period of increased precipitation since 2012 [2]. - The distribution of this year's rainfall has been more regional and scattered, affecting areas that are not adequately covered by existing flood prevention measures [2][3]. Group 2: Flood Prevention Strategies - The concept of "giving way to water" is emphasized, suggesting the construction of sunken parks and artificial lakes to serve as temporary flood retention areas during extreme weather events [1][4]. - A call for enhanced public education on flood risks and disaster preparedness is made to improve societal awareness and response capabilities [1][4]. Group 3: Evolution of Flood Management - The flood management system in China has evolved significantly since the 1998 Yangtze River floods, with a focus on large rivers initially, followed by attention to smaller rivers and urban flood management in recent years [4][5]. - The "sponge city" concept has been developed to integrate urban water management systems, but it is acknowledged that it has limitations in extreme weather scenarios [5][6]. Group 4: Infrastructure and Standards - Current urban flood prevention standards are fragmented across different departments, leading to inconsistencies in flood management strategies [7][8]. - The reduction of natural water retention areas due to urban development has exacerbated flood risks, necessitating a reevaluation of urban planning and flood management practices [7][8]. Group 5: Community Involvement and Awareness - Public participation in flood prevention, such as clearing drainage systems and preparing emergency supplies, is crucial for mitigating small-scale flooding [12][13]. - There is a need for increased public awareness regarding flood risks, particularly in northern regions where such events are less frequent, to prevent tragedies like the recent flash flood incident [12][13][14].