11.5 By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus

Advancements in multi-hazard modelling are rapidly reshaping how we anticipate and respond to complex disaster scenarios. Dr. van den Bout underscores that while cutting-edge innovations have expanded our understanding of cascading impacts—from earthquakes triggering tsunamis to storms igniting landslides—persistent model uncertainties and patchy data threaten the reliability of truly integrated systems. He argues that only through close collaboration—melding the strengths of researchers, forecasters, and local experts—can we build the operational, resilient tools communities need. Capturing data during rare, destructive events remains a formidable hurdle, but embracing both foundational research and unconventional, “out-of-the-box” approaches will be vital to surmount these obstacles. Bringing multi-hazard disaster management from theory to practice hinges on precise model calibration, something that often demands boots-on-the-ground expertise and tailored field studies. Space-borne technologies—satellite imagery for landscape mapping and retrospective event analysis—play a growing role in refining water-related hazard forecasts, yet they must be complemented by detailed regional insights and rich observational datasets. For those eager to dive into flood modelling, online courses and math communicators offer accessible entry points. Beyond his technical pursuits, Dr. van den Bout credits a lifelong love of programming and video games for inspiring creative experimentation, reminding us that true innovation flourishes when we carve out time for curiosity—whether swimming in his favorite liquid state of water with family or scouring the internet for fresh data.

Urban waterlogging is an increasingly critical challenge particularly in cities where unplanned development, climate change, and inadequate drainage systems exacerbate the issue. Remote sensing provides a viable solution for detecting and managing urban waterlogging by providing real time and large-scale monitoring capabilities. Using satellite datasets such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), multispectral imaging, and thermal sensors urban planners can assess and monitor waterlogging. These datasets coupled with advanced algorithms like machine learning models allow for accurate predictions of waterlogged areas in the cities. Besides, the integration of these remote sensing tools with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enhances the ability to manage water resources and develop sustainable urban infrastructures. Despite challenges such as data resolution and high costs of advanced imagery, remote sensing remains a key tool in addressing the socio-economic and environmental impacts of urban waterlogging, particularly in the face of climate change and urbanization.

We present an interview with Amin Shakya, a PhD candidate at the ITC Faculty of Geo-information science and earth observation at the University of Twente. We delve into Amin’s first engagements with geospatial technologies, his current PhD research on river discharge estimation using earth observation, as well as his prior work on groundwater analysis using space technologies. Further, Amin is engaged with the youth community particularly with the Groundwater Youth Network. We discuss his take on the role of youth in climate change adaptation. Throughout this interview, we touch upon various water challenges across the globe, from disaster risk management in Nepal, to urban water challenges in Mexico, to his current PhD research focused in Europe and in Africa.

Advancements in multi-hazard modelling are rapidly reshaping how we anticipate and respond to complex disaster scenarios. Dr. van den Bout underscores that while cutting-edge innovations have expanded our understanding of cascading impacts—from earthquakes triggering tsunamis to storms igniting landslides—persistent model uncertainties and patchy data threaten the reliability of truly integrated systems. He argues that only through close collaboration—melding the strengths of researchers, forecasters, and local experts—can we build the operational, resilient tools communities need. Capturing data during rare, destructive events remains a formidable hurdle, but embracing both foundational research and unconventional, “out-of-the-box” approaches will be vital to surmount these obstacles. Bringing multi-hazard disaster management from theory to practice hinges on precise model calibration, something that often demands boots-on-the-ground expertise and tailored field studies. Space-borne technologies—satellite imagery for landscape mapping and retrospective event analysis—play a growing role in refining water-related hazard forecasts, yet they must be complemented by detailed regional insights and rich observational datasets. For those eager to dive into flood modelling, online courses and math communicators offer accessible entry points. Beyond his technical pursuits, Dr. van den Bout credits a lifelong love of programming and video games for inspiring creative experimentation, reminding us that true innovation flourishes when we carve out time for curiosity—whether swimming in his favorite liquid state of water with family or scouring the internet for fresh data.

We present an interview with Amin Shakya, a PhD candidate at the ITC Faculty of Geo-information science and earth observation at the University of Twente. We delve into Amin’s first engagements with geospatial technologies, his current PhD research on river discharge estimation using earth observation, as well as his prior work on groundwater analysis using space technologies. Further, Amin is engaged with the youth community particularly with the Groundwater Youth Network. We discuss his take on the role of youth in climate change adaptation. Throughout this interview, we touch upon various water challenges across the globe, from disaster risk management in Nepal, to urban water challenges in Mexico, to his current PhD research focused in Europe and in Africa.