CAUSES OF FLOOD

However, floods are not always caused by heavy rainfall.

Other factors which may contribute to flooding include:

 ground cover;
 topography; and
 tidal influences.

GOVERENMENT DO TO SOLVE

• During floods (especially flash floods), roads, bridges, farms, houses and automobiles are
destroyed. People become homeless. Additionally, the government deploys firemen, police and
other emergency apparatuses to help the affected. All these come at a heavy cost to people and
the government. It usually takes years for affected communities to be re-built and business to
come back to normalcy.

TYPES OF FLOOD

Riverine flooding

In riverine flooding, relatively high water levels overtop the natural or artificial banks of a stream
or river. The nature of riverine flooding can vary significantly in terms of cause, timing and
depth between different locations. Coastal rivers with short, steep headwaters often have floods
that rise and recede quickly. Inland floods with low gradients have floods that move slowly down
the river, sometimes lasting for several months.

Flash flooding

Flash flooding occurs when soil absorption, runoff or drainage cannot adequately disperse
intense rainfall, and is usually caused by slow-moving thunderstorms. Flash floods are generally
defined as developing in six hours or less from rainfall to the onset of flooding.

Dam failure

Although dam failures are rare, their effects can be significant. In Victoria dam safety is
monitored, and warning arrangements are in place to warn downstream residents of potential
dam failure threats. Should dam failure occur, significant downstream flooding can involve
potentially swift flowing water and high amounts of debris.

Storm surge
Storm surge occurs when sea levels are elevated above the usual tidal limit due to the action of
intense low pressure systems over the open ocean. The low pressure causes sea level to rise as
there is less air pressing down on the sea. Combined with gale force onshore winds, this can lead
to flooding of low-lying coastal land.

The solution for floods

Before the floods
1. Know about your local relief centers and evacuation routes.
2. Keep emergency numbers and important information handy, as well as emergency supplies,
kits, first aid items. These may include water, canned food, can opener, battery-operated radio,
flashlight and protective clothing.
3. Fold and roll up anything onto higher ground (or upper floors of your home), including
chemicals and medicines.
4. Make sure everything that is of importance is secured (jewelry, documents, pets, and other
valuables).
5. Plant trees and shrubs and keep a lot of vegetation in your compound if you are in a low-lying
area as that can control erosion and help soften the speed of the flowing water.

During the floods

1. Flash floods occur in a short spate of time. As soon as they start, be quick, keep safe and
ensure that children and elderly are safe by leaving the house to a higher ground.
2. Turn off all electrical appliance, gas, heating and the like if there is a bit of time.
3. Leave the area before it gets too late. Do not drive through the water as moving water can
sweep you away.
4. Stay away from power lines or broken power transmission cables.
5. Try to keep aw
ay from flood water as it may contain chemicals or other hazardous materials.

After floods
1. Make sure you have permission from emergency officers to get back inside your house.
2. Keep all power and electrical appliance off until the house is cleaned up properly and an
electrical personnel has confirmed that it is OK to put them on.
3. Make sure you have photographs, or a record of all the damage, as it may be needed for
insurance claims.
4. Clean the entire home, together with all the objects in it very well before you use them again.
They may be contaminated.
5. Wear appropriate gear (mask and gloves) before cleaning begins.