Comprehensive flood financial losses assessment framework (direct, indirect, tangible and intangible): Flood incident on 17 April 2016, Nodeh Khandooz, the Gorganrood River Basin, Iran

Flood damages and losses include a wide range of environmental, social and economic damages; therefore, all dimensions of flood damages need to be considered in the process of flood risk planning and management. The present research was conducted with the aim of introducing the integrated assessment framework in relation to damages incurred by flood considering four concepts of direct, indirect, tangible and intangible damages for Nodeh Khandooz city of Golestan Province due to the flood event occurred on 17 April 2016.

In this regard, the flood zone along the Khorma-rud River was identified (150 m from river banks) to determine the regions at risk. To estimate the costs of direct and tangible damages caused by the flood, a part of the related information was collected through consultation with related offices. The estimation of indirect and intangible costs was also carried out through field surveys, interviews with local communities and through compiling and filling of a questionnaire.

The analysis shows that in the direct-tangible damage group, the most damages were imposed to the infrastructures and agriculture sector that are about with the value of 6000 and 5950 million Riyals, respectively. In the indirect-tangible damage group, the second highest damage was incurred due to interruption in business with about 87 million Riyals following the costs of passages reopening and clearing (about 350 million Riyals). In the indirect-intangible costs group, the most damages are considered due to disorder and chaos that were created, as well as distressing, discomfort and mental damage that were created and losing trust in authorities with about 154, 149 and 124 million Riyals, respectively.

In summary, most damages in the Nodeh Khandooz city were attributed to direct and tangible damages (92.40%). However, for integrated management purposes to achieve sustainable development, in addition to considering direct and tangible costs, indirect and intangible damages should be considered, although the damages identified in these groups seem less valuable.