L'émergence du risque d'inondation à Addis-Abeba : pertinence d'une étude des dynamiques urbaines

Risk management is particularly problematic in cities with high density, subject to multiple dangers in a limited time-space frame. In such fast-growing metropolis of the developing world, ancient practices as much as more recent policies show an ever increasing awareness of the problem. Adopting a ternary definition of risk -hazard, vulnerability process, social perceptions -, we conducted a research on the flood risk in Addis-Ababa (Ethiopia). We focus on the urban evolution as a way to unveil the mechanism producing vulnerability; tackling the different paths at the origin of the dangers, we analyse the management policies and the social-spatial strategies directly or indirectly related to the threat. Addis-Ababa, founded in 1886, has a population of more than three million people and a significant part of its urban fabric is exposed to flood. The rainy season produces heavy flood, often with very important runoffs. Of this well known phenomenon, the vulnerability process has grown significantly due mainly to the practices and policies of the various stake holders. According to the 1997 report from the City’s Environmental Protection Bureau, several parts of the Addis-Abada have been damaged by floods and an estimated 8000 persons are still exposed, only to the rise in river levels. Attempts to prevent these disasters exist: building of flood retention walls and victims displacements. But despite those efforts, the problem remains mostly as it was, and a lot of urban dwellers live in a state of a latent flood risk