Flood

Flood:

- an overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can be caused by
heavy rains, snowmelt, or rising tides. They can happen quickly or slowly, and
can be small or large.
- Floods are the most frequent type of natural disaster and occur when an
overflow of water submerges land that is usually dry.
- Floods are the most common and widespread natural severe weather event.
They can also be caused by human activities such as deforestation, poor
garbage disposal, and urbanization.

➔ 3 most common types of floods:

☆ Pluvial floods

● A pluvial flood occurs when an extreme rainfall event creates a flood

independent of an overflowing water body. A common misconception about
floods is that you must be located near a body of water to be at risk. Yet pluvial
flooding can happen in any location, urban or rural, even in areas with no nearby
bodies of water.
● There are two common types of pluvial flooding:
1. Surface water floods occur when an urban drainage system is overwhelmed
and water flows out into streets and nearby structures.
2. Flash floods are characterized by an intense, high velocity torrent of water
triggered by torrential rain falling within a short amount of time within the
vicinity or on nearby elevated terrain.

☆ Fluvial floods (river floods)

● A fluvial, or river flood, occurs when the water level in a river, lake or stream
rises and overflows onto the neighboring land. The water level rise of the river
could be due to excessive rain or snowmelt.
● The damage from a river flood can be widespread as the overflow affects
smaller rivers downstream, which can cause dams and dikes to break and
swamp nearby areas.
 ☆ Coastal flood (storm surge)

● Coastal flooding is the inundation of land areas along the coast by seawater.
● Common causes of coastal flooding are intense windstorm events occurring at
the same time as high tide (storm surge), and tsunamis.

Effects of Floods

Floods can have a devastating impact on people and property. They can cause:

● Death and injury: Floods can cause death and injury by drowning, trauma and
injuries, electrocution, waterborne diseases, and other hazards.
● Property damage: Floods can damage homes, businesses, and other property.
Common forms of damage are structural damage, damage to personal
belongings, electrical damage, and landscaping and outdoor damage.
● Loss of crops and livestock: Floods can destroy crops and livestock, which can
lead to economic losses.
● Harm wildlife: Floods can harm wildlife by destroying habitats and displacing
animals.
● Cause sedimentation and erosion: Floods can carry sediment and erode
riverbanks, which can damage infrastructure and pollute waterways.
● Carry contamination: Floodwater can be contaminated with sewage, chemicals,
and other pollutants, which can pose a health risk to people and animals.
● Disruption of transportation and communication: Floods can disrupt
transportation and communication, making it difficult for people to get around
and get help.
● Spread of disease: Floodwater can spread diseases, such as cholera and
typhoid.

The Great Flood of 1972

Also known as the ‘Great Flood’ of 1972, the flooding of greater Manila and other
provinces in Central Luzon was caused by four successive typhoons, and as the rains
continued unabated, floods became wider in extent and deeper in height.

#TopLeft: Flood at Espana Street. The M.A.N. bus is going to Quiapo District. Note that
there are no light or small vehicles in the area.

#TopRight: A 4x4 truck carrying relief goods wades through a neck-deep flood
somewhere in Central Luzon.
#BottomLeft: Stranded residents of Luzon wait for the arrival of a large amphibious
vehicle carrying the badly needed goods and medicines for all.

#BottomRight: Improvised bancas (or Philippine canoes) were used throughout the
duration of The Great Flood.

Recognizing Signs of Impending Floods

There are a number of signs that can indicate an impending flood. These include:

● Heavy rains or snowmelt: Floods are often caused by heavy rains or snowmelt.
When the ground is saturated, it can't absorb any more water, and it starts to
run off. This can cause flooding in low-lying areas.
● Rising water levels: If you see water levels rising in rivers, streams, or creeks, it's
a sign that flooding is possible.
● Flood warnings or advisories: If you receive a flood warning or advisory, it
means that flooding is possible in your area. You should take steps to protect
yourself and your property.
● Evacuation orders: If you receive an evacuation order, it means that you need to
leave your home immediately. Do not delay.
● Unusual water discoloration: If you see water that is discolored, it could be a
sign of pollution or contamination. This could be a health hazard, so it's
important to avoid contact with the water.
● Unusual animal behavior: Animals are often sensitive to changes in their
environment. If you see animals acting strangely, such as running away or
gathering in high places, it could be a sign that a flood is coming.

What to Do Before, During, and After a Flood

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a
flood. These include:

Before a Flood

● Learn about your flood risk.

● Develop a flood plan.
● Assemble an emergency kit.
● Consider flood insurance.

During a Flood
 ● Listen to local officials.
● Evacuate if you are told to do so.
● Move to higher ground.
- Moving to higher ground during a flood keeps you safe, aids rescue, and
minimizes damage. Moving to higher ground is a very specific voltage
point for rescue operations and facilitates access to essential resources
like clean water and shelter.

● Stay away from floodwaters.

- This is because the flood water is dirty. It is contaminated with pollutants,
sewage, bacteria and any other substances that can cause serious illness
or infection upon contact. It can cause damage to skin and it can also
affect your health so it's better to stay away from floodwaters.

After a Flood

● Stay away from floodwaters.

- This is to avoid skin infections and bacterias in the water.

● Inspect your home for damage.

- Inspecting your home after a flood ensures safety, identifies damage,
and aids insurance claims. Inspecting your home is necessary to ensure
safety by identifying any potential hazards or risk caused by the flood
such as structural damage or electrical issues.

● Contact your insurance company.

- Your insurance company can provide guidance and support on the
necessary steps to take such as documentation, requirements, and
recommended contractors for repair. Most importantly, your insurance
company ensures a smoother and more efficient resolution of the claims
process, helping you recover and restore your property in a timely
manner.
 ● Get help from FEMA or other relief agencies.
- FEMA or the (federal emergency management agency) is an example of
an agency that can provide assistance with temporary shelter, food,
water, medical care, and other essential needs. They can also offer
financial aid grants or low interest loans to help individuals and
communities to recover and rebuild. Contacting agencies such as FEMA or
other relief agencies can ensure that you can receive the necessary
support and resources during the recovery process.

Available Tools for Monitoring Floods

There are a number of tools available for monitoring floods. These include:

● Flood gauges
● Satellite imagery
● Weather radar
● Flood warning systems

These tools can help to identify and track floods, and can be used to issue warnings
and advisories.

Conclusion

Floods are a serious hazard that can have a devastating impact on people and
property. By learning about floods and taking steps to prepare, you can help to reduce
your risk.