Floods are one of the most destructive types of natural disasters. They are often associated with overflowing rivers and swollen seas during tropical storms. However, floods come in various types; some even develop in areas far from bodies of water, such as cities, after a heavy downpour.
Types of Floods
There are many types of floods, each causing a different level of damage. Learning about all flood types is important as it can help determine if it’s time for you and your family to seek higher grounds.
1. Flash Floods
Flash floods are the most dangerous type because they move fast and have such destructive powers. They are often the result of excessive rainfall, the amount of which has exceeded the ground’s capacity to absorb water.
Flash floods typically don’t last long but can occur within six hours of continuous heavy rain. Their rapid and powerful movement can also move large objects such as cars, trees, and boulders.
2. River Floods
This is a flood type that occurs when water from a river rises above its banks. This can take place on any river system and is often caused by heavy rainfall or tropical storms.
3. Pluvial Floods
Pluvial flooding is when rainwater doesn’t soak into flat areas. This causes puddles and ponds to form eventually. Pluvial flooding is a common problem in rural areas, where it often damages agricultural lands and other related farming activities.
4. Coastal Floods
A flood type common in places near the coast, where strong winds brought by storms force tides to move towards the shore. People living near these areas are practically defenseless against the rising waters that could damage their homes.
The disaster often has serious consequences that occur before and after the flood, ranging from nervousness and mental health problems to injuries and water-borne diseases. The former is usually due to stress caused by injuries from falling debris and unsuccessful attempts to escape the floodwaters.
5. Urban Floods
Heavy rains can also cause flooding in urban areas. According to deepwaterco.com, installing drainage channels is often tricky because of the densely-built structures surrounding these places.
Although they aren’t entirely dangerous, urban floods can eventually damage sewage pipes. Floodwaters can also extend to major roads, making them dangerous for many drivers.
6. Sewage Floods
This flood type occurs when heavy rains overwhelm sewage systems, causing them to burst and consequently releasing untreated wastewater onto various bodies of water. Sewage floods are dangerous because of the chemicals and bacteria in the water. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and other health problems that can occur before and after the flood recedes.
7. Groundwater Floods
These are often caused by inundated drainage systems due to heavy rains. Although the water may overflow onto nearby streets, this is generally gradual, giving people time to evacuate if necessary. The water from groundwater floods can remain for weeks or even months, increasing the risk of property and structure damage.
How To Prepare for a Flood
When flooding is imminent, there are three things you should look after:
1. Family
Discuss with your family what to do if there is a flood warning in your area. Talking to every member about flooding can reduce fears, especially in children. This is especially important if they see you hurrying to pack and prepare the family emergency kit.
A radio that can run on batteries is a must so you can hear the latest news about the flood. It’s also a good idea to check nearby streams and rivers to determine if the water level has increased.
2. Home
Make sure that you keep insurance policies, valuables, and important family documents safe, so the flood can’t damage them. You should also consider keeping copies of important files on a flash drive. This will allow you to have backups in case you lose the original copies.
Also, you should move your furnace, electric panels, and other home appliances to higher grounds inside the house. This is vital, especially in cases when the floodwater is slow in receding.
3. Pets
You should also draw up a flood plan for your pets, just like you do for the family. However, if you intend to stay to guard your home, consider putting up fences to ensure that your pets don’t wander around the house unnecessarily.
Key Takeaway
Floods can often occur in minutes, especially when there is heavy rain. Depending on your location, these can come from the river, the coast, or the pluvial area. Flash floods, however, are the most dangerous type of flood. They are strong, fast-moving waters that can cause great damage.
It’s foolish to try meeting a flood head-on, as this will only put your life in danger. It’s much better to follow established safety protocols, especially if your home is going to be flooded. This means evacuating to safer grounds, along with your family.
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