What Challenges Do Ice Jam Floods Pose in the Latvian and Lithuanian Regions?
Despite the warming climate, ice jam floods remain a significant issue, causing damage to residents, their property, and infrastructure. While these floods typically occur in specific river stretches, predicting them is complex. Understanding the origin, size, and recurrence probability of ice jams requires advanced methodologies and analysis of historical data.
How Was the First Stage of the ICEREG Project Implemented?
During the first stage, the project team prepared a report titled “Hazardous Areas of Ice Jam Floods in the Latvian-Lithuanian River Basins”. This document outlines how climate change influences the formation of ice jam floods and identifies critical river stretches—Mūša and Lėvuo—where floods most often cause significant damage to residents and their property. The project participants also collaborated closely with government and community representatives to discuss future actions.
What Are the Next Steps?
The next stages of the project involve conducting hydromorphological field studies in the identified river sections. Based on the collected data, advanced digital models will be developed to assess flood risks under various scenarios. These efforts aim to reduce risks to residents and improve preparedness for potential flooding.
Jūratė Kriaučiūnienė, the ICEREG Project Manager at LEI, emphasizes that the project’s outcomes are expected to have not only scientific value but also practical applications. These will help protect lives and property while supporting sustainable solutions for flood risk management.
The Project is funded by the European Union’s Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027
More information: https://www.lei.lt/en/projektas/icereg/
