Actual and potential flood damage: a case study for urban Lismore,NSW, Australia

An urban land use survey of Lismore, New South Wales, was undertaken to assess the character of buildings affected by the major flood of March 1974. A questionnaire survey was then carried out on a sample of 140 residential houses, 212 commercial establishments and all 26 industrial concerns in the flood-prone area to assess actual flood damage. Potential flood damage was estimated by a professional valuer and by questionnaire information. Comparison of actual and potential damage showed that actual damage was only 52.4 per cent of potential damage in the residential sector, 23.5 per cent in the commercial sector and 6.1 per cent in the industrial sector. It is concluded that the relatively low levels of actual damage reflect the high degree of preparedness by the urban population, particularly in the commercial and urban sector. The results indicate the level of damage reduction feasible given adequate flood warning schemes and appropriate adjustments by the community.