Flood is recognized as the most damaging natural hazard globally, with 1.65 billion people affected, and economic losses exceeding $651 billion during the period 2000-2019 (see: The human cost of disasters, published by UNDRR). India is the second most flood affected country with an average of 17 events per year. About 12% of India’s geographical area is flood prone according to India’s National Disaster Management Authority. The total economic losses from floods in India amounted to $3.2 billion and $4.2 billion in the years 2021 and 2022, respectively (World Meteorological Organization). The frequency of floods and their impacts are expected to increase in future, with changing climate, rapid urbanization, and increasing concentration of assets in urban environments. Accurate and high-resolution information on flood hazard and associated risk is important for governments as well as re/insurance companies to effectively tackle the losses and bridge gaps in flood risk protection.
About JBA
JBA Risk Management is the global leader in flood risk science offering specialist current day and future flood risk insight for every location worldwide. Our best-in-class flood maps, catastrophe models, and data are used by some of the world’s largest insurers, reinsurers, governments, the international banking community, NGOs and property companies to quantify and mitigate flood risk. Our specialist event response team monitors global conditions to ensure you can respond rapidly as major flood events occur. With a collaborative team of expert scientists, hydrologists, mathematicians and engineers, we use pioneering science to stay at the forefront of flood risk innovation.
India Flood Map
Our India Flood Map uses the latest advancements in science and technology combined with the best available data to offer the most representative view of flood risk available on the market. Covering riverine (fluvial), surface water (pluvial) flood and coastal risk at 30m resolution, it enables re/insurers and the banking sector to understand the flood risk across their portfolio and manage internal processes to make effective underwriting decisions.
Recently updated as part of JBA’s commitment to continual investment in our maps, models and data, the India Flood Map now uses the best available digital terrain model (DTM) in 22% of India’s population, including key cities Mumbai and Chennai, for optimum representation of river channels, and the most recently available land cover data for best estimation of spatially varying surface roughness. The latest map incorporates fully validated hydrology input data, and high resolution climate classification maps to ensure an accurate estimation of rainfall losses, along with upgrades to classification of fluvial and pluvial flood types and the latest available flood defence information.
At JBA, we validate components and products throughout the development cycle to ensure that the flood maps are representative of the flood hazard in any given area, and any uncertainties are clearly understood. As well as validating all our hydraulic model inputs we also compare our outputs to known events to see how well they perform.
India Flood Data
Accessible via API and available in multiple data formats, JBA’s Flood Data is the most comprehensive data suite available for understanding current day and future flood risk anywhere in the world. Using the latest flood risk intelligence and climate science, this location-level data enables users to develop a greater understanding of flood risk now and in the future. Available now: current and future flood depths at any location worldwide, flood risk ratings, and quantitative average annual loss estimates.
India Flood Model
JBA’s market leading probabilistic India Flood Model is underpinned by JBA’s high resolution flood hazard data and internationally recognized climate projections to evaluate current day and future river and surface water flood risk with confidence. Our modelling technology allows users to customize almost every aspect of the model. This eliminates the need to embed assumptions into the model, offering more flexibility, more choice and more control to the user. Rest assured, we always provide JBA’s expert view of risk via default data, methods and analysis settings.
India Crop Model
Developed with collaboration from re/insurance industry partners and covering both growing seasons in India (kharif and rabi), the model uses unique physical crop modelling techniques to simulate historic crop yields using current farming practice. It captures multiple extreme weather perils contributing to seasonal crop failure, including drought, flood, heat stress, and tropical cyclone damage, to produce annual expected losses for Indian states and districts. This enables better re/insurance pricing and rate analysis, as well as an understanding of the Probable Maximum Loss from low frequency, high severity seasons, and the ability to manage portfolio structures long-term.
Accessing JBA Models
All JBA flood models are platform agnostic. The technology seamlessly integrates with Oasis LMF and is available via Verisk’s Model Exchange Platform (MEP), ELEMENTs by Impact Forecasting, or via in-house installation though the Oasis API/UI. We also offer a portfolio analysis service, which provides a deeper understanding of your portfolio’s exposure to risk, assisting with decision making including: risk mitigation, capital allocation and pricing.
Consultancy services
Our flexible approach to flood modelling, combined with our science expertise, enables us to offer bespoke soutions for your individual flood risk needs. From detailed individual site risk assessments and portfolio analysis and optimization to flood defence design and unique model builds, our dedicated team of flood science experts will work with you to manage your personal flood risk challenges.