J&K FLOOD, 8th September 2014

COASTAL FL0OD

RIVER FLOOD

FLOOD

FLOOD

FLOOD

MELTING OF SNOW

FLOOD

FLOOD
TSUNAMI FLOOD

FLOOD

FLOOD

Presentation on
Floods - Occurrence & Mitigation

Index
PART I: Occurrence of Flood
What is Flood?
Flood Characteristics.
Types of India
Causes of Flood
Effects of Flood
Flood Zone Map of India (B.I.S.)

of Flood

Part II: Mitigation

Preventions taken before flood

Preventions taken during flood

Prevention taken after flood

Over 2.26 lakh people rescued in flood-hit J&K

SIGNIFICANCE OF RIVER FLOOD / ANNUAL

FLOOD.

Many rivers flow over relatively flat land border on

broad flood plains.

Flood plain is a plain bordering river and exposed to

flooding.

When heavy rainfall or melting snow causes the river's

depth to increase and the river to overflow its banks, a
vast expanse of shallow water rapidly covers the
adjacent Flood Plains .

Flooding deposits silt on the flood plain, improving its

fertility.

Silt is a sedimentary material consisting of very fine particles

intermediate in size between sand and clay.

Throughout history, this process of deposition of silt on flood

plains has attracted agriculture and other human
development.

In order to preserve farms and cities, some rivers prone to

flooding have had extensive and elaborate systems of dikes
constructed along their shores and surrounding nearby cities.

Dikes are barriers blocking the passage for protection.

Unfortunately , restraining of flood waters with the help of

these dikes resulted in much greater flooding downstream and
in locations where theses dikes ends or breaks.

Because off the dikes the difference between water-level

during flood and the surface of the inland increases and the
potential devastation of the flood increases.

The control of annual flooding, by dikes and by dams, also

prevents the deposition of silt on the rich farmlands and can
result in their eventual depletion.
The annual cycle of flood and farming was of great
significance to many early farming cultures.

For example:

1. Ancient Egyptians of the Nile river

2. Mesopotamians of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

WHAT IS FLOOD?

lood is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry.

An abundant , usually overwhelming flow or fall as of a river or rain.

lood is inundation of land by the rise and overflow of body of water.

loods occur most commonly when water from heavy rainfall ,

om melting ice and snow or from a combination of these , exceeds

he carrying capacity of the river system , lake or ocean into which

runs.

FLOOD CHARACTERISTICS.

The rise and fall of the water level in river is called as

Flood wave.

When rainfall does occur , it can sometimes result in a

sudden flood of water filling dry streambeds known as a
Flash flood.

Less predictable floods are resulting from ocean waves ,

called storm surges , pushed onshore by an advancing
hurricane , and from sudden torrential flows , called
flash floods , following a briefs intense rainstorm or the
bursting of a natural or manmade dam or levee.

TYPES OF FLOOD.

River Flood

Coastal Flood

Urban Flood

Flash Flood

Ice Jam

Dam / Levees Flood

RIVER FLOOD

Flooding along rivers is a

natural and inevitable
part of life. Some floods
occur seasonally when
winter or spring rains,
coupled with melting
snows, fill river basins
with too much water, too
quickly. Torrential rains
from decaying hurricanes
or tropical systems can
also produce river
flooding.

COASTAL FLOOD

Winds generated from

tropical storms and
hurricanes or intense offshore
low pressure systems can
drive ocean water inland and
cause significant flooding.
Escape routes can be cut off
and blocked by high water.
Coastal flooding can also be
produced by sea waves called
tsunamis (tsoo-n -m z),
sometimes referred to as tidal
waves. These waves are
produced by earthquakes or

URBAN FLOOD

As land is converted from fields or woodlands to roads and

parking lots, it loses its ability to absorb rainfall.
Urbanization increases runoff 2 to 6 times over what would
occur on natural terrain. During periods of urban flooding,
streets can become swift moving rivers, while basements
can become death traps as they fill with water.

FLASH FLOOD

An arroyo is a water-carved gully or normally dry creek bed.

Arroyos can fill with fast-moving water very quickly. Flash
flooding at this arroyo in Arizona took only 58 seconds to
develop.

ICE JAM

Floating ice can accumulate at a natural or man-made

obstruction and stop the flow of water.

Dam flood

CAUSES OF FLOOD.

Flood occurs in known floodplains when prolonged

rainfall over several days, intense rainfall over a short
period of time, or an ice or debris jam causes a river or
stream to overflow and flood the surrounding area.

Melting snow can combine with rain in the winter and

early spring;

Severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain in the spring

and summer; Tropical cyclones can bring intense rainfall
to the coastal and inland states in the summer and fall.

Floods occur after a dam or levee failure, or following a sudden

release of water held by an ice or debris jam, and can catch
people unprepared.

As land is converted from fields or woodlands to roads and

parking lots, it loses its ability to absorb rainfall. Urbanization
increases runoff two to six times over what would occur on
natural terrain.

Rainfall intensity (the rate of rainfall).

Duration (how long the rain lasts).

Topography, soil conditions, and ground cover.

Most flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms,

thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same area, or
heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms.

EFFECTS OF FLOOD

Erosion of people starts in several places of the effected

place.

City drainage systems fail to serve their purpose.

Drains carry the polluted waste water which should

have actually gone to a sewerage system for treatment.

Soil erosion is one of the main effects of heavy floods.

The rivers flow above the danger level.

The affective places remain cut off with the rest of the
country. All the rivers rise rapidly.

Insufficient stock of food and medicine to cope with the

situation is the another effect.

The flood waters also damages several hutments, granaries,

fisheries, standing crops.

Several roads and relief camps may also be submerged by

flood water.

Landslides followed by incessant rains during floods is a very

common phenomena.

Flood-producing rains can trigger catastrophic debris slides.

Floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and
bridges, and scour out new channels. Flood waters can reach
heights of 10 to 20 feet and often carry a deadly cargo of
debris.

PREVENTIONS TAKEN BEFORE FLOOD.

Basic Prevention:

Rule for being safe is simple

Head for higher ground and stay away from flood

waters.

Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces

more force than most people imagine.

Try to avoid walking, swimming, or driving through flood

waters. Two feet of water will carry away most
automobiles.

If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily

raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a

Use a Weather Radio or a portable, battery-powered radio (or

television) for updated emergency information.

If you are stopping your vehicle, camp or park away from

streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
(Flood waters can rise quickly and carry you or your belongings
away.)

When in or along stream channels, be aware of distant events,

such as dam breaks or thunderstorms that may cause flash
floods in the area.

Keep ready Disaster Supplies Kit basics and Evacuation Supply

Kit.

If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency

building materials. These include plywood, plastic sheeting,
lumber, nails, hammer and saw, pry bar, sand, shovels, and

How to Protect Property:

Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a

safe-deposit box. You may need quick, easy access to these
documents. Keep them in a safe place less likely to be
damaged during a flood.

Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce

your home. Some communities do not permit building in
known floodplains. If there are no restrictions, and you are
building in a floodplain, take precautions, making it less likely
your home will be damaged during a flood.

Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel to higher

floors or the attic if they are in areas of your home that may
be flooded. Raising this equipment will prevent damage. An
undamaged water heater may be your best source of fresh
water after a flood.

 Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood

water from backing up into the drains of your home. As a
last resort, when floods threaten, use large corks or
stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.
Construct barriers such as levees, beams, and flood walls to
stop flood water from entering the building. Permission to
construct such barriers may be required by local building
codes. Check local building codes and ordinances for safety
requirements.
Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to
avoid seepage through cracks. Consult with a construction
professional for further information if these and other
damage reduction measures can be taken. Check local
building codes and ordinances for safety requirements.

Contact your local emergency management office for more

information on mitigation options to further reduce potential
flood damage. Your local emergency management office may
be able to provide additional resources and information on
ways to reduce potential damage.

PREVENTIONS TAKEN DURING FLOOD.

1.If your residence is in a flood-prone area:

Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic bottles with clean water.

Water may become contaminated or service may be
interrupted.

Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.

Unsecured items may be swept away and damaged by flood
waters.

Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your

home. If flood waters affect your home, higher floors are less
likely to receive damage.

If you are instructed by local authorities, turn off all utilities at

the main power switch and close the main gas valve. In some
areas, local authorities may advise you to turn off utilities to
prevent further damage to homes and the community.

Get your preassembled disaster supplies ready. You may

need to act quickly. Having your supplies ready will save
time.

Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is

issued. If electric power is cut off, gas stations may not
be able to operate pumps for several days.

Be prepared to evacuate. Local officials may ask you to

leave if they truly feel your home is at risk from flood
waters.

2.What to Do if You Are Driving During a Flood ?

Avoid already flooded areas, and areas subject to sudden

flooding.

Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Most flood

fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through
water, or people playing in high water. The depth of water is
not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under
the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.

Rapidly rising water may stall the engine, engulf the vehicle
and its occupants, and sweep them away.

Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low

areas. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

 If you are driving and come upon rapidly rising waters, turn
around and find another route. Move to higher ground away
from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. If your route
is blocked by flood waters or barricades, find another route.
If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water or the engine
stalls, and if you can safely get out, abandon your vehicle
immediately and climb to higher ground.
Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled
vehicles. When a vehicle stalls in the water, the water's
momentum is transferred to the car. The lateral force of a
foot of water moving at 10 miles per hour is about 500
pounds on the average automobile.

The greatest effect is buoyancy - for every foot that water

rises up the side of a car, it displaces 1,500 pounds of the
car's weight. So, two feet of water moving at 10 miles per
hour will float virtually any car.

Many persons have been swept away by flood waters upon

leaving their vehicles, which are later found without much
damage.

Listen continuously to a Weather Radio, or a portable,

battery-powered radio (or television) for updated emergency
information. Local stations provide you with the best advice
for your particular situation. Everyone in area should be
ready to respond and act quickly. Floods and flash floods can
happen quickly and without warning.

Be ready to act immediately. Be alert to signs of flooding,

and if you live in a flood-prone area, be ready to evacuate at
a moment's notice. Floods can happen quickly and you may
need to leave with little or no notice.

Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities. Local

authorities are the most informed about affected areas. They
will best be able to tell you areas to avoid.

If you live in a flood-prone area or think you are at risk,

evacuate immediately. Move quickly to higher ground. Save
yourself, not your belongings. The most important thing is
your safety. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Move
to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.

PREVENTIONS TAKEN AFTER FLOOD.

1.What to Do After a Flood ?

Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital or

clinic. Contaminated flood waters lead to a greater
possibility of infection. Severe injuries will require medical
attention.

Help a neighbor who may require special assistance infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
Elderly people and people with disabilities may require
additional assistance. People who care for them or who
have large families may need additional assistance in
emergency situations.

Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue

and other emergency operations, and put you at further
risk from the residual effects of floods, such as

Continue to listen to a Weather Radio or local radio or

television stations and return home only when authorities
indicate it is safe to do so. Flood dangers do not end when
the water begins to recede; there may be flood-related
hazards within your community, which you could hear
about from local broadcasts.

Stay out of any building if flood waters remain around the

building. Flood waters often undermine foundations,
causing sinking, floors can crack or break and buildings can
collapse.

Avoid entering ANY building (home, business, or other)

before local officials have said it is safe to do so. Buildings
may have hidden damage that makes them unsafe. Gas
leaks or electric or waterline damage can create additional

Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.

Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off
as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
Check with your utility company now about where broken
lines should be reported.

Avoid smoking inside buildings. Smoking in confined areas

can cause fires.

2.When entering buildings:

Wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a
disaster is cut feet.
Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining
buildings. Battery-powered lighting is the safest and
easiest, preventing fire hazard for the user, occupants, and
building.
Examine walls, floors, doors, staircases, and windows to
make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.
Look for fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking gas
lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces or
electrical appliances. Flammable or explosive materials
may travel from upstream. Fire is the most frequent hazard
following floods.

 Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or

hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building.
Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call
the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the
gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a
professional.
Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or
broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation,
turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit
breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box
or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before
being returned to service.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching
systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are

Check for sewage and waterline damage. If you suspect

sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call
a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water
company and avoid using water from the tap. You can
obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by
melting ice cubes.

Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes, that

may have come into buildings with the flood waters. Use a
stick to poke through debris. Flood waters flush snakes and
many animals out of their homes.

Watch for loose plaster, drywall, and ceilings that could fall.
Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its
contents, for insurance claims.

If water is of questionable purity, boil or add bleach, and

distill drinking water before using. Wells inundated by flood
waters should be pumped out and the water tested for
purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public
health authority. Ill health effects often occur when people
drink water contaminated with bacteria and germs.

Throw away food that has come in contact with flood

waters. Some canned foods may be salvageable. If the cans
are dented or damaged, throw them away. Food
contaminated by flood waters can cause severe infections.

Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of

the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water
is pumped completely in a short period of time, pressure
from water- saturated soil on the outside could cause

THANK YOU

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