Inundation of normally dry land
Flooding of normally dry land refers to the sudden and widespread overflow of water, usually a river, lake, or seacoast. It may also occur on land that is normally dry. Floods are caused by heavy rains, wind-driven waves, or coastal storm surges. The magnitude of the water is determined by the intensity of the storm and the time period it lasts. Floods in particular geographic locations are referred to as “fifty-year floods.”
This extreme weather event occurs when rain or snow melts quickly, causing rivers to overflow. The overflow can be a few inches or it can cover a whole house. It can be sudden, lasting a few hours, or it can occur over a longer period of time, such as a day or two. This natural disaster has a devastating impact on the environment, and people live in areas that are susceptible to flooding.
Deaths caused by fast-moving water
Floods cause more deaths than any other thunderstorm-related hazard, and dozens of people die every year while walking, driving, or standing in floodwaters. Many people underestimate the power of floodwaters, and many drown in their cars swept downstream. Even six inches of fast-moving water can knock a human over. People should use a pole or stick to check if the ground is solid before entering flood waters.
Fast-moving floodwater is deadly, and is responsible for more than half of all natural disaster deaths. Floods usually affect developing and tropical regions and are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. The number of displaced people and deaths are often high, and floods are often accompanied by endemic diseases. In addition to drowning, floods can cause severe damage to property. Floods can destroy lives and property, so health authorities need to focus on prevention.
Destruction of buildings
Floods can be devastating. Floodwaters can wash away the natural landscape and devastate entire roads. Not to mention the destruction floodwaters cause to buildings. The worst part is when floodwaters remain, they can cause structural damage to homes that is shocking. In addition to being uninhabitable, floodwaters can carry sewage and other chemicals, and contaminated water may contain live power lines and dangerous gases.
Expert advice is essential in determining the extent of flooding damage and whether your home can be repaired or must be demolished. Demolition is often required in many municipalities, as a result of flood damage. However, in many cases, flood insurance providers pay for demolition costs. Depending on the circumstances, you can even apply for flood insurance coverage if the damage is severe. However, this should not be the final decision.
Health effects of floodwater
Floodwater carries bacteria and chemicals that are harmful to your health. You are more likely to get water or food poisoning when you consume floodwater, especially if you are in a large group. Fortunately, floodwater can be disinfected and boiled so that you can drink it. Nevertheless, it is still important to drink only clean water to avoid possible health risks. In case you’re unable to find clean water, you should always carry bottled water.
When you walk through floodwater, you need to wear rubber boots and gloves. Use alcohol-based wipes on cuts. If you’re exposed to sewage-contaminated floodwater, get medical attention as soon as possible. Also, make sure to wash your clothes in hot water and dry them thoroughly. For children, floodwater can contain harmful bacteria and viruses. Therefore, keep children and pets away from floodwater to avoid catching disease-causing bacteria and viruses.