Interview with Bastian van den Bout, Assistant Professor, Twente University, Founder of FastHazard
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.
