Earth and Life Science

EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE
Topic: FLOOD
A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. In the sense of
"flowing water", the word may also be applied to the inflow of the tide. Floods are an area of
study of the discipline hydrology and are of significant concern in agriculture, civil
engineering and public health.
CAUSES OF FLOOD
•Heavy and prolonged rainfall is the most important cause of floods. The amount of water
becomes so much that it begins to flow over the river banks.
•Sometimes excessive melting of snow and ice on the hill due to hot weather also leads to the
flooding of rivers.
•Many human activities like overgrazing, deforestation, and large expanse of land area
increases the chance of surface runoff ultimately leading to floods.
•and etc.
FORMS OF FLOOD MITIGATION

 7 ways to mitigate the effects of flood
1. Elevate your home

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, consider elevating your home. This will help to
reduce the risk of water damage if floodwaters do enter your home.
2. Create Detention Basins
Also known as retarding basins, detention basins provide a pathway for water runoff and a
temporary holding place for floodwaters. Vegetation and large rocks are often used to line the
edges of the basin for additional absorption and to slow the rapid flow of water and prevent
erosion.
3. Design the Drainage System
The design and layout of a town’s drainage system can build a great foundation for
preventing floods and cause less headache over time. A drainage system should be well-
mapped and properly covered to prevent leaves, debris and large items from clogging the
system. Water should be able to drain freely and quickly to avoid pooling in streets and low-
lying areas.
4. Keep the sewer system clean, so it can do its job
It seems like an obvious measure, but sewer systems can clog up with waste, debris,
sediment, tree roots and leaves.
5. Regularly check and clean downspouts and gutters.
Check and clean the gutters and downspouts at least once a year, more frequently if you have
lots of trees near your home.
6. Keep sandbags nearby.
If flood levels are rising and water is approaching your home, sandbags can prevent water
from coming through doorways or low windows. If you are in an area where flood risk is
high, keep sandbags handy for emergencies
7. Know your flood zone
One way to help prevent flood damage is to know your flood zone. Flood zones are areas that
has determined are at a high risk for flooding. There are three main types of flood zones:
high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk
How the floods affect the human life?

NEGATIVE
• Loss of human life.
• Property and infrastructure damage.
• Road closures, erosion, and landslide risks.
• Crop destruction and livestock loss.
• Threats to salmon and other aquatic species.
• Health risks due to water contamination.
• Housing displacement.
• Economic impacts
POSITIVE
While floods bring hazards, they also bring nutrients and essential components for
life. Seasonal floods can renew ecosystems, providing life-giving waters in more ways than
one. Floods transport vital nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic material, to
the surrounding land.
Before a Flood
To prepare for a flood, you should:
•stay informed on local news
•Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
•Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of
your home.
• know how to evacuate and safe alternative routs
During a Flood
If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
•Listen to the radio or television for information.
•Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move
immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
•Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly.
Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or
heavy rain
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
•Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an
upper floor.
•Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical
appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
After a flood
Your home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down in some areas, many
dangers still exist. Here are some things to remember in the days ahead:
Wait until it is safe to return.

•Do not return to flooded areas until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
•Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and
information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to
higher ground.
•Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and
walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also slippery. Avoid
walking or driving through it.
•staying healthy
-Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
-Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
-Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwaters can contain sewage
and chemicals.
•Cleaning up & Repairing Your Home
- Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your
community. That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on
Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters. Flooding can have a devastating
effect on your home or business. Whether it has been caused by a burst pipe or a collapsed
drain, a flood can lead to property damage and an expensive clean-up operation. As well as
being unpleasant and inconvenient, it can also be extremely harmful to your health.
Most people don’t know that most of the floods that have occurred in the past and those
occurring today are man-made. Every year, humans are responsible for the release of millions
of tonnes of debris, and this is one of the biggest reasons for floods. However, the most
common cause of the flooding is due to intense rainfall. Therefore, if you want to prevent
floods in your area, then you should take the necessary steps to reduce the amount of
rainwater that is allowed to flow directly into rivers and streams.
1. ELEVATE YOUR HOME

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, consider elevating your home. This will help to
reduce the risk of water damage if floodwaters do enter your home.
2. INSTALL A SUMP PUMP

If you live in an area that is prone to torrential rains and flooding, it is critical that you install
a sump pump. This pump prevents flooding on your property that may cause damage causing
you to incur enormous repair costs.
A sump pump is critical for basement waterproofing. This piece of equipment pumps water
out of your basement and property.
A sump pump can help to remove water from your home if it does flood. This can help to
reduce the amount of damage that is caused by flooding.
3. USE SANDBAGS
Sandbags can be used to help block water from entering your home. They can be placed
around the perimeter of your home or in front of doors and windows.
4. CLEAN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Gutters and downspouts can get clogged with leaves and debris that hinder the proper
operation of the system, so keeping them clean and flowing freely is essential
Make sure to clear your gutters and downspouts regularly. This will help to reduce the
amount of water that can enter your home during a flood.
5. SEAL WINDOWS AND DOORS

Water quickly gets through the doors if they’re not sealed properly. Windows are also weak
points.
You can help to reduce flooding by sealing your windows and doors. One of the easiest ways
is by using a self-adhesive seal strip. This will help to prevent water from entering your
home.
6. ELEVATE APPLIANCES
If you have appliances in your home, consider elevating them. This will help to prevent water
damage if they are exposed to floodwaters.
7. MORE VALUABLES TO A HIGHER LEVEL

If you have valuables in your home, consider moving them to a higher level. This will help
to prevent water damage if your home does flood.
8. KNOW YOUR FLOOD ZONE

One way to help prevent flood damage is to know your flood zone. Flood zones are areas that
FEMA has determined are at a high risk for flooding. There are three main types of flood
zones: high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk.
If you live in a high-risk flood zone, it is important to have flood insurance. Flood insurance
is a type of insurance that covers damage caused by flooding. It is important to note that
standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
If you live in a moderate-risk or low-risk flood zone, you may not be required to have flood
insurance. However, it is still a good idea to purchase flood insurance. Even if you are not
required to have it, flood insurance can help protect your home and belongings in the event of
a flood.
Knowing your flood zone and understanding your risk for flooding is an important part of
flood preparedness. By taking steps to prevent flood damage, you can help keep your home
and belongings safe in the event of a flood.
9. HAVE A FOOD PLAN

Be prepared for a flood by having a plan. This should include things like where you will go
and what you will do if your home does flood.
10. STAY INFORMED

Stay up-to-date on the latest weather conditions and forecasts. This will help you to be aware
of any potential flooding in your area.
Flooding, in your home, business, or on your property, can be devastating. It can destroy your
possessions, damage your home, cause illness and even death.

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EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE

FORMS OF FLOOD MITIGATION

1. Elevate your home

How the floods affect the human life?

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

Wait until it is safe to return.

1. ELEVATE YOUR HOME

2. INSTALL A SUMP PUMP

5. SEAL WINDOWS AND DOORS

7. MORE VALUABLES TO A HIGHER LEVEL

8. KNOW YOUR FLOOD ZONE

9. HAVE A FOOD PLAN

10. STAY INFORMED

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