General Information
Full Project Title: Joint Cross-Border Cooperation for Securing Societies Against Natural and Man-Made Disasters (J-CROSS)
Contract Title: Study for Mapping Landslides as a Result of the Floods in the Pelagonija Region (Lot 1) and Dams Breaking Study in the Pelagonija Region — Strezevo Dam (Lot 2)
Funding Source: European Union — General Budget of the Union (IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Greece–North Macedonia)
Period of Implementation: November–December 2019
Contracting Authority: Center for Development of Pelagonia Planning Region
Objective
The overarching objective of this engagement was to support disaster risk reduction and resilience-building in the Pelagonia Region through scientifically grounded assessments of two major natural hazard risks: (1) landslides triggered by flood events, and (2) potential dam failure scenarios at the Strezevo Dam — the most critical hydraulic structure in the region.
Summary
Under the J-CROSS project, which aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation between Greece and North Macedonia in the area of civil protection and disaster management, GAUSS Institute was contracted to develop two complementary technical studies. These studies provide an evidence base for local and regional authorities to understand, monitor, and respond to natural hazards threatening the communities of the Pelagonia Region.
Lot 1 focused on mapping existing landslides and flood-prone areas, analysing geological and hydro-meteorological conditions, and assessing the readiness of local institutions to respond to such events. Lot 2 focused on a structural and hydraulic analysis of the Strezevo Dam, including failure scenarios, inundation zones, and emergency response procedures.
Both studies were developed in Macedonian and subsequently translated into English, formatted in accordance with the EU External Actions Visibility Guidelines and the IPA CBC Greece–North Macedonia Communications Manual.
Role of the GAUSS Institute
GAUSS Institute served as the primary contractor responsible for overall project coordination, mobilisation of expert teams, data collection, quality assurance, reporting, and delivery of all contractual outputs. The Institute managed the engagement from contract signature through to final submission, ensuring compliance with EU reporting requirements and visibility standards. Administrative, translation, and GIS/mapping support was provided by GAUSS Institute staff alongside the engaged key experts.
Outputs
Lot 1 — Landslide Mapping Study:
- Theoretical overview of geological, geomorphological, and climatic factors in the Pelagonia Region
- Compilation and analysis of available data on historical landslides and flood events
- Field research and spatial mapping of existing landslides and flood-affected areas
- Identification of key causal factors linking flood events to landslide occurrence
Lot 2 — Dams Breaking Study (Strezevo Dam):
- Technical description of Strezevo Dam, including structural parameters and existing documentation review
- Analysis of critical structural vulnerabilities, historical failure data, and fault typologies
- Hydraulic modelling of inundation zones in the event of dam failure
- Emergency operational procedures, including safe water level protocols and resident notification plans
Deliverables
- Inception Report
- Draft Final Report
- Final Report
- Interactive online map of landslides and flood zones (Lot 1)
Outcomes
- Enhanced understanding of landslide and flood risk across the Pelagonia Region, supported by field-verified spatial data
- A comprehensive dam failure risk assessment for Strezevo Dam, informing emergency preparedness planning
- Strengthened institutional awareness among municipalities and regional authorities regarding their roles and responsibilities during landslide and flood events
- Recommendations for establishing an early warning system for landslides and floods in the region
- A foundation for cross-border harmonisation of disaster risk management practices between North Macedonia and Greece
Significance
This project represents a significant contribution to evidence-based disaster risk management in the Pelagonia Region. The Strezevo Dam supplies water to a large portion of the agricultural and urban area of Bitola and its surroundings; a rigorous failure scenario analysis is of direct relevance to the safety of thousands of residents. Similarly, the region’s susceptibility to flash floods — exacerbated by the terrain and climate — makes the systematic mapping of landslide hazards a critical tool for spatial planning, civil protection, and infrastructure investment decisions. By delivering both studies under EU-funded frameworks, GAUSS Institute contributed to aligning regional disaster preparedness with European standards and best practices.