Natural Disasters

Flooding
 Flooding
What is a flood?

A flood is an overflow of water that covers land that is usually

dry.

Some floods develop slowly, while others, such as flash floods,

can develop in just a few minutes and without any signs of rain.

Floods can be local, impacting a neighbourhood or community,

or very large, affecting entire river basins.

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 Flooding
What Causes Flooding?
A flood occurs when a river bursts its banks and the water spills onto the
floodplain.

Flooding is usually caused by heavy rain; the faster the rainwater reaches the
river channel, the more likely it is to flood.

The following factors may encourage flooding:

A steep-sided channel - a river channel surrounded by steep slopes causes fast

surface run off (water that the soil is unable to absorb).
A lack of vegetation - trees and plants catch or drink water. If there is little
vegetation, then excess water will be high.
A drainage basin - Drains and sewers take water quickly to the river channel.
Houses with sloping roofs further increase the amount of surface run off.
 Flooding
Floodplain – A floodplain is an area of land adjacent to a stream
or river, and experiences flooding.

Channel – A channel is landform following the path of a river or

stream. Channels can be natural or human-made.

Vegetation – The plants of an area or a region.

Basin - A river basin is the land that water flows across or under
on its way to a river.
 Flooding
The Impact of Flooding

Floods can cause devastating damage to homes and possessions.

However, flooding can also have positive impacts on an area.

Flooding deposits fine silt onto the floodplain, making it very

fertile and excellent for farming. People living on or near
floodplains may rely upon regular flooding to help support their
farming and therefore provide food.
 Flooding
What kinds of damage have occurred in the area?

If you were in a rescue team who have just

arrived at the scene, what kinds of help might
you need to give?
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 Flood Prevention
Dam construction - Dams are often built along the course of a
river. Water is held back by the dam and released in a controlled
way. This controls flooding. Water is usually stored in a reservoir
behind the dam. This water can then be used to generate
hydroelectric power, or for recreation purposes. Building a dam
can be very expensive.

River engineering - The river channel may be widened or

deepened, allowing it to carry more water. The course of the river
can also be altered, diverting floodwaters away.
 Flood Prevention
Afforestation - Trees are planted near to the river. This means
greater interception of flood water.

Managed flooding - The river is allowed to flood naturally in

places, to prevent flooding in other areas.

Planning - Local authorities introduce rules to control urban

development near floodplains. This reduces the chance of flooding
and the risk of damage to property.
 Flood Prevention

A dam is used to prevent flooding.

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 Flood Safety
Rules
If flooding occurs, go to
higher ground and avoid areas
If water rises in your home
subject to flooding.
before you evacuate, go to the
Do not attempt to walk across
top floor, attic, or roof.
flowing streams or drive
through flooded roadways.
 Flood Safety
Rules
Listen to a battery-operated
radio for the latest storm
If you've come into contact
information.
with floodwaters, wash your
Turn off all utilities at the
hands with soap and
main power switch and close
disinfected water.
the main gas valve if advised
to do so.
 Flooding Around The
World
Bangladesh

Bangladesh regularly floods. The land is densely populated. Most of the land
forms a delta from three main rivers - Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna.

Flooding is an annual event as the rivers burst their banks. This seasonal
flooding is beneficial as it provides water for the rice and jute (two main crops
in the area). It also helps to keep the soil fertile.

The low-lying land means it is easily flooded. Half the country is less than 6m
above sea level. The snowmelt in the Himalayan Mountains adds to the water
in the main rivers. There are human causes too; building on the floodplains
and cutting down trees both increase the effects of flooding.

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 Flooding Around The
World
New Orleans, USA
The impacts of flooding on coastal communities can be devastating, as seen in New Orleans
after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

New Orleans was one of the worst affected areas because it is below sea level and the
defences were unable to cope.

Despite an evacuation order, many of the poorest people remained in the city.

People sought refuge in the Superdome stadium. Conditions were unhygienic, and there was
a shortage of food and water. Lots of people were hungry and thirsty, and some people
resorted to looting. Tension was high and many felt vulnerable and unsafe.

1 million people were made homeless and about 1,200 people drowned in the floods.

Oil facilities were damaged and as a result petrol prices rose in the UK and USA.

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