FLOODS

FLOODS

Floods are the most common climate-related disaster in the region and include seasonal floods, flash floods, and floods associated with tidal events induced by tsunami and cyclone in coastal areas.

Type of Floods:

FLASH FLOOD
Flash flood is a sudden and extreme volume of water, can flows rapidly, sometimes in just a few minutes by dam failure, breakup of ice jam. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries a deadly cargo of rocks, mud and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path.

RIVER FLOODS
Slow building up usually seasonal by heavy rainfall, some times over a period of days.

COASTAL FLOODS
Associated with storm surges, tsunami waves, tropical cyclones
Flood effects can be very local, impacting a community, or very large, effecting entire river basins and multiple districts.

What are the Causes of Flood?

  • Heavy Rainfall fills.
  • Rapid Snow melting/Glacier burst
  • Dam failure.
  • Low absorption or no soil percolation.
  • Cyclone or Tsunami

Impact of Floods

There are many factors that contribute to the suffering of individuals affected by flooding:

  • Loss of Life & Injuries
  • Loss of livestock
  • Economical Losses
  • Impact on agriculture
  • Health-related effects
  • Environmental Impacts
  • Disruption of Communication
  • Damages to properties & Infrastructures
  • Contamination of Waters
  • Evacuation of affected population

What to do before a flood?

  • Identify if your locality is at flood-prone or high risk area.
  • Keep a list of useful numbers for e.g. emergency services.
  • Be prepared to evacuate.
  • Learn your community’s evacuation routes & where to find high ground.
  • Talk to your family members or those you live with about possible flooding.
  • Plan a re-union place in case you are separated from one another in a disaster & cannot return.
  • Determine how you would care for surrounding populations who may need your help in a flood.
  • Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days.
  • Keep a stock of food & extra drinking water.
  • Make a flood kit, including a torch, blankets, waterproof clothing, a portable radio, first aid kit, rubber gloves, medication & key personal documents.
  • Have a few sandbags or floor boards prepared to block doorways.
  • Construct barriers such as levees & floods walls to stop flood water from entering the building.
  • Know how to shut off electricity, gas & water at main switches & valves.
  • Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains.

What to do during a flood?

  • Be aware of flash flood. If there is ANY POSSIBILITY of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground; do not wait for instructions to move.
  • Listen to radio or television for local information.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, & other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warning signs as rain clouds or heavy rain.If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate.

Secure your facility

  • Turn off utilities at the main switches, disconnect electrical appliances.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check firmness of the ground in front of you.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. A foot of water will float many vehicles. You and your vehicles can be quickly swept away as floodwaters rise.

What to do after a flood?

  • Avoid flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline etc. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  • Avoid moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
  • Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened & could collapse under the weight of any vehicle.
  • Stay away from drowned power lines & report them to the power company.
  • Return only when authorities indicate it is safe. Stay out of buildings if surrounded by flood waters. Use extreme caution when entering buildings. There may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

Consider your family health & safety needs:

  • Wash hand frequently with soap & clean water if you come in contact with flood watersThrough away food that has come in contact with flood waters.
  • Listen for news reports for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing & food.
  • Seek necessary medical care at the nearest medical facility.
  • Service damaged septic tanks, pits & leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

What is flood risk management?

Flood risk management aims to reduce the likelihood and/or the impact of floods. Experience has shown that the most effective approach is through the development of flood risk management program incorporating the following elements:

Prevention: preventing damage caused by floods by avoiding construction of houses in present and future flood-prone areas; by adapting future developments to the risk of flooding; and by promoting appropriate land-use, agricultural and forestry practices;

Protection: taking measures, both structural and non-structural, to reduce the likelihood of floods and/or the impact of floods in a specific location;

Preparedness: informing the population about flood risks and what to do in the event of a flood;

Emergency Response: developing emergency response plans in the case of a flood;

Recovery and lessons learned: returning to normal conditions as soon as possible and mitigating both the social and economic impacts on the affected population.