Deadly flooding in northern Europe has prompted questions about how such wealthy developed countries could still be taken by surprise, despite ample flood warnings. Although recent infrastructure projects appear to have reduced damage in parts of the Netherlands, scientists point to a number of potential factors: Climate change has supercharged rainstorms in Europe, making them even more intense than expected. The speed and intensity of flooding on small tributaries surprised emergency managers and residents and caused damage in smaller villages that have received less flood mitigation work. Researchers also wonder whether residents disregarded or were unsure what to do in response to flood warnings.

北欧的致命洪水引发了人们的疑问，尽管有充足的洪水警告，但这些富裕的发达国家如何仍会措手不及。尽管最近的基础设施项目似乎减少了荷兰部分地区的破坏，但科学家们指出了许多潜在因素： 气候变化加剧了欧洲的暴雨，使其比预期的更猛烈。小支流洪水的速度和强度让应急管理人员和居民感到惊讶，并在洪水缓解工作较少的小村庄造成了破坏。研究人员还想知道居民是否无视或不确定如何应对洪水警告。