Natural Disaster: Floods

Types of Floods

Floods can be categorized in various ways, based on their causes, duration, severity, and affected areas. Here are some common types of floods:

 

1. Riverine Floods: Riverine floods occur when rivers overflow their banks due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or a combination of both. They are among the most widespread types of floods globally.

 

2. Flash Floods: Flash floods are sudden and intense floods characterized by a rapid rise of water levels, often within minutes or hours. They typically occur in low-lying areas, canyons, and urban areas with poor drainage systems, triggered by heavy rainfall, dam failures, or sudden snowmelt.

 

3. Coastal Floods: Coastal floods, also known as storm surges, happen when high tides, storm winds, and low atmospheric pressure cause seawater to inundate coastal areas. They are often associated with tropical storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis.

 

4. Urban Floods: Urban floods occur in cities and towns, primarily due to inadequate drainage systems, rapid urbanization, and impermeable surfaces like pavement and concrete. Heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, leading to water accumulation on streets and in buildings.

 

5. Pluvial Floods: Pluvial floods occur as a result of heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage systems, causing water to accumulate on the ground surface. Unlike riverine floods, pluvial floods are not necessarily related to rivers or bodies of water.

 

6. Ice Jam Floods: Ice jam floods occur when ice accumulates in rivers and streams, obstructing the flow of water. This can cause water to overflow onto adjacent land, leading to flooding.

 

7. Dam or Levee Break Floods: These floods occur when a dam or levee fails, releasing a large volume of water downstream and causing extensive flooding in the surrounding areas.

 

8. Tidal Floods: Tidal floods, also known as high tide floods or "nuisance floods," happen when high tides coincide with other factors such as storm surges or heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in coastal areas.

 

Health Impacts Caused by Floods

Floods can have significant health impacts on individuals and communities, both directly and indirectly. Here are some of the main health impacts caused by floods:

 

1. Drowning: Drowning is one of the most immediate and direct consequences of flooding, especially in cases of flash floods where water rises rapidly and catches people off guard.

 

2. Injuries: Floodwaters can cause injuries due to debris carried by fast-moving water, collapsed buildings, and accidents during evacuation or rescue efforts.

 

3. Waterborne Diseases: Floodwaters often become contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and other pollutants, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and gastroenteritis.

 

4. Vector-borne Diseases: Floods can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other vectors, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus.

 

5. Respiratory Issues: Mold growth and damp environments in flooded homes can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. Exposure to mold spores and other allergens can also lead to respiratory infections.

 

6. Malnutrition: Floods can disrupt food supplies, damage crops, and contaminate food stores, leading to shortages and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations.

 

7. Mental Health Issues: Floods can cause significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues, particularly among those who have experienced trauma or loss.

 

8. Displacement and Homelessness: Floods can force people to evacuate their homes and seek temporary shelter in overcrowded evacuation centers or makeshift shelters, increasing the risk of communicable diseases and mental health problems.

 

9. Lack of Access to Healthcare: Floods can damage healthcare infrastructure, disrupt healthcare services, and hinder access to medical care, medications, and emergency assistance, exacerbating health problems and increasing mortality rates.

 

10. Electrical Hazards: Floodwaters can damage electrical systems and appliances, increasing the risk of electrical shocks and fires, which can cause injuries and fatalities.

 

Addressing these health impacts requires coordinated efforts from healthcare providers, emergency responders, public health authorities, and community organizations to provide medical care, clean water, sanitation facilities, shelter, and psychosocial support to affected populations before, during, and after flooding events.

 

How to Survive a Flood?

Surviving a flood requires preparation, awareness, and quick action. Here are some key steps to help you survive a flood:

 

1. Stay Informed: Pay attention to weather forecasts, flood warnings, and evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Keep a battery-powered radio or NOAA weather radio on hand for updates, especially if power goes out.

 

2. Have an Emergency Plan: Develop a flood emergency plan for your household. Identify evacuation routes, safe locations, and meeting points in case you need to evacuate. Ensure all family members know the plan and how to reach each other.

 

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, clothing, blankets, important documents, and cash.

 

4. Protect Your Property: Elevate electrical appliances, utilities, and valuable items above potential flood levels. Install flood barriers, sandbags, and water-resistant barriers to help prevent water from entering your home.

 

5. Secure Your Home: If time allows, move furniture, electronics, and other valuables to higher floors or elevate them above potential flood levels. Seal cracks and openings in walls, floors, and foundations to minimize water intrusion.

 

6. Turn Off Utilities: Shut off electricity, gas, and water supplies at the main switches or valves to prevent electrical hazards, gas leaks, and contamination. Only do this if it is safe to do so and you have adequate time before flooding occurs.

 

7. Evacuate Early: If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately and follow designated evacuation routes. Avoid driving through flooded areas or crossing flowing water, as it can be deeper and more dangerous than it appears.

 

8. Seek Higher Ground: Move to higher ground or upper floors if you cannot evacuate but are still in a safe location. Stay indoors and away from windows to avoid debris and flying objects.

 

9. Stay Safe During the Flood: If you are trapped in a building during a flood, go to the highest level and wait for rescue. Signal for help by waving a flashlight or bright-colored cloth. Avoid walking or swimming through floodwaters, as they can be contaminated and contain hidden hazards.

 

10. Stay Informed After the Flood: After the floodwaters recede, listen to local authorities for information about when it is safe to return home and how to access assistance for recovery efforts.

 

By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can increase your chances of surviving a flood and minimizing its impact on you and your family.