The technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) has been applied to numerous multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problems where crisp numbers are utilised in defining linguistic evaluation. The interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS (IVIF TOPSIS) can offer a new decision making method in solving MCDM problems where interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets are utilised in defining linguistic terms. Differently from the TOPSIS, which directly utilised crisp numbers, this method introduces upper and lower intervals of memberships to capture wide arrays of uncertain and fuzzy information. In this paper, criteria and alternatives in flood management is investigated where the best alternative in flood mitigation approach can be identified using the IVIF TOPSIS. Four decision makers in flood management were invited to provide linguistic evaluation of seven alternatives with respect to seven criteria. Computational results indicate that the alternative 'pumping station' is identified as the best alternative of flood mitigation project. The findings of this study would benefit authority in suggesting the effective approach in flood mitigation initiatives. © 2020 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.