Humanitarian engineering and vulnerable communities: hydropower applications in localised flood response and sustainable development

ABSTRACT

Humanitarian engineering offers substantial benefits to interventions for socio-economic development and disaster risk resilience, particularly amongst vulnerable populations facing energy insufficiency and extreme weather events in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Localised hydropower and early-warning applications are reliable and can support such communities. This study presents important criteria and in-depth investigations for small-scale hydropower generators combined with flood-warning systems. According to our findings, 300 W of generated power can provide sufficient coverage for basic energy needs under both normal and extreme conditions. Outdoor warnings such as emergency lights and sirens could increase local response capabilities and save lives during extremes. Our project highlights the use of community-led hydropower as a vehicle for disaster resilience and sustainable development.

KEYWORDS:

• Off-grid renewable energy
• early-warning system
• low- and lower-middle-income country
• extreme weather event

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by University of Western Sydney; and UNESCO Chair for the Conservation and Ecotourism of Riparian and Deltaic Ecosystems, International Hellenic University.