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Floods

A flood is the overflow of water onto normally dry land, primarily caused by heavy rainfall, river overflow, and urbanization. Floods can lead to significant human, economic, and environmental damage, including loss of life, disease spread, and agricultural destruction. Prevention strategies include improved drainage systems, afforestation, and the construction of dams and levees.

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20 views3 pages

Floods

A flood is the overflow of water onto normally dry land, primarily caused by heavy rainfall, river overflow, and urbanization. Floods can lead to significant human, economic, and environmental damage, including loss of life, disease spread, and agricultural destruction. Prevention strategies include improved drainage systems, afforestation, and the construction of dams and levees.

Uploaded by

Sadiq Farooq
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Flood

Definition:

A flood is an overflow of water onto land that is normally dry.


It occurs when the volume of water exceeds the capacity of
rivers, lakes, or drainage systems, submerging areas and
causing damage to life and property.

Causes of Floods
1. Heavy Rainfall
o Intense or continuous rain overwhelms drainage systems and rivers.
o Common in monsoon-affected regions.
2. River Overflow
o When rivers exceed their capacity due to upstream rainfall or snowmelt.
3. Melting of Snow and Glaciers
o Rapid melting increases river volume, especially in mountainous regions.
4. Dam Failure
o Structural failure of a dam releases a sudden and massive volume of water
downstream.
5. Deforestation
o Lack of vegetation reduces the soil's water absorption ability, increasing runoff.
6. Urbanization
o Concrete surfaces prevent water absorption, leading to more surface runoff.
7. Cyclones and Storm Surges
o Coastal areas can experience flooding due to high tides and strong winds pushing
seawater inland.
8. Blocked Drains or Poor Drainage Systems
o In cities, blocked or inefficient drainage causes water to accumulate quickly.

Types of Floods
1. Flash Floods
o Sudden, fast-moving floods caused by intense rainfall or dam breaks.
2. River Floods
o Occur when rivers overflow after prolonged rainfall or snowmelt.
3. Urban Floods
o Common in cities due to poor drainage and excessive concrete infrastructure.
4. Coastal Floods
o Result from storms, hurricanes, or tsunamis pushing seawater inland.
5. Pluvial Floods
o Caused by excessive rainfall not absorbed by the ground, even without
overflowing water bodies.

Effects of Floods
1. Human and Economic Loss

 Deaths and injuries


 Displacement of populations
 Damage to homes, infrastructure, and crops

2. Spread of Diseases

 Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis.

3. Agricultural Damage

 Crops are submerged or washed away.


 Loss of fertile topsoil.

4. Environmental Impact

 Soil erosion
 Destruction of wildlife habitats
 Water pollution

5. Disruption of Transport and Communication

 Roads, bridges, and power lines are often damaged or cut off.

Flood Prevention and Mitigation


1. Construction of Dams and Reservoirs
o Store excess water and regulate flow.
2. Improved Drainage Systems
o Especially in urban areas to handle excess rainfall.
3. Afforestation
o Planting trees helps absorb rainwater and reduce surface runoff.
4. Rainwater Harvesting
o Capturing and storing rainwater reduces water accumulation on the ground.
5. Early Warning Systems
o Weather forecasts and flood alerts help in timely evacuation and preparation.
6. River Embankments and Levees
o Barriers to prevent river water from overflowing.
7. Proper Urban Planning
o Include flood zones in city layouts and avoid construction in flood-prone areas.

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