In recent years, a spate of significant flood events affecting South Africa has ensured that flood risk is now considered a primary hazard. And with the impact of climate change it is expected that the frequency and severity of flooding is likely to increase in the future. The ability to quantify and understand flood has never been more important.
As the global leader in flood risk we continually invest in the development of maps and models to bring the latest science and data to the forefront of flood risk management practices.
Here are some of the tools available from JBA to help the insurance industry manage its flood risk today and in the future.
JBA South Africa Flood Map
JBA's South Africa 30m Flood Map provides indicative flood extents and depths for undefended river (fluvial) and surface water (pluvial) flooding along with newly updated coastal flood data. The flood risk hazards are complemented by flood defence information offering you the option to choose a defended or undefended view of risk.
The peer-reviewed mapping methodologies are based on observed river gauge and rainfall data to reflect unique local factors influencing flood, enabling the best estimation of flood in each region and a realistic view of the flood hazard. The maps are regularly updated to reflect the latest science and data. And the next flood map update for South Africa will be available very shortly after the African Insurance Exchange conference.
River, surface water and coastal flood behave in different ways and have different impacts on risk. These flood types are explicitly modelled by our experienced hydrologists, providing an opportunity to consider each type of flooding separately in the risk assessment process and identify which flood type may be the driver of loss in each location.
JBA South Africa Flood Data, Current Day and Future Scenarios
Derived from our detailed hazard maps, JBA provides easy-to-use, location-level flood data in formats that are practical and accessible for clients and users. The data indicates the likelihood of flood risk and the potential depths of flood waters in a simple quantitative score, traffic-light indicator or GIS format. Data can be provided via the JBA Vision platform, in csv format or by API. South Africa Flood Data is available for current day and a future views of flood risk to consider potential impacts of climate change.
JBA South Africa Pricing Data
Developed using JBA’s 30m Flood Map, JBA Pricing Data provides an annual cost of flooding to achieve an indicative property-level flood assessment, aiding risk selection and pricing decisions. Pricing Data is provided as annual damage ratios by flood type, coverage and building type. South Africa Pricing Data is available for current day and future flood risk scenarios and is accessed via the JBA Vision platform.
JBA South Africa Flood Model
The South Africa Flood Model is underpinned by JBA’s high resolution hazard data and provides a consistent view of risk across the risk transfer chain, from location level underwriting and risk assessment to portfolio pricing and capital modelling.
The model is Oasis-enabled and utilises JBA’s unique modelling technology enabling users to customise the model with vulnerabilities of choice and to create what-if scenarios. This offers greater flexibility, more choice and more control to the user.
Investigate, edit, and customise nearly every aspect of the model including event set data, size of exposed area, source of flooding, vulnerabilities, defences, uncertainty, and more, to make the output even more business relevant. Rest assured we always provide JBA’s expert view of risk via default data, methods, and analysis settings if preferred. Driven by continuous innovation, the model is routinely updated to make use of the latest science and data and offers a present day and future view of flood risk.
Future flood risk
The South Africa Flood Model includes climate change variants which provide an indication of potential future changes in flood risk and losses by 2050 under climate scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. JBA Flood Data is the largest and most comprehensive data suite available for understanding current day and future flood risk anywhere in the world. Developed using the latest climate science and flood risk intelligence the data offers a range of climate change scenarios from intermediate to worst case. This enables users to understand potential impacts of climate change on flood risk for property and portfolio planning, capital management, assessment against regulatory requirements and more. We also offer bespoke development for specific climate scenarios and adjustments to meet regulatory requirements such as ESG, TCFD and solvency.
Consultancy services
We provide more than just data. Our flexible approach to flood modelling enables us to offer bespoke solutions for your individual flood risk needs. From detailed individual site risk assessments and portfolio optimisation to flood defence design and unique model builds, our dedicated team of flood experts will work with you to manage your personal flood risk challenges.