Planning for sandbagging as a response to flooding: a tool and case study

This paper presents a simulation tool that allows local councils, emergency services organisations, and communities to explore the viability and details of sandbagging depots and their operation as one of the components in a preparation and response strategy to flooding. The tool was developed in collaboration with Victorian State Emergency Services and the City of Port Phillip Council. The focus of this case study is the coastal suburb of Elwood, which has a canal through its centre and a worrying increase in damaging flash floods. The tool that was developed is suitable for use in any location, once relevant geographical information and flood maps are supplied.