Flood - A flood is a natural disaster that occurs when water overflows and

submerges land that is usually dry. Floods can be caused by heavy rainfall, rapid
snowmelt, or a storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami in coastal areas.
There are three common types of floods:

 Fluvial floods: Also known as river floods

 Pluvial or flash floods
 Coastal floods: Also called storm surge

The following factors can lead to flooding:

Rains

Whenever there are more rains than the drainage system can take, they can cause floods.

River overflow

Rivers can overflow their banks to cause a flood. This can happen when there is more water upstream than
usual, and as it flows downstream to the adjacent low-lying areas there is a burst and water gets into the land.

Strong winds in coastal areas

Seawater can be carried by massive winds and hurricanes onto the dry coastal lands and cause flooding. This is
made worse if the winds carry rains with themselves. Sometimes water from the sea resulting from a tsunami
can flow inland to cause damage.

Dam breaking

Dams are man-made structures mounted to hold water flowing down from a highland to a lowland. The power
in the water is used to turn propellers to generate electricity. Sometimes, too much water held up in the dam
can cause it to break and cause overflow in the area. Excess water can also be intentionally released from the
dam to prevent it from breaking and that can also cause floods.

Ice and snow melts -In cold regions, heavy snow over the winter usually stays unmelted for some time. Some
mountains have an ice cap on them. Sometimes the ice suddenly melts when the temperature rises, resulting in
massive movement of water into places that are usually dry. This is usually called a snowmelt flood

Urban Flooding
Urban flooding is the inundation of land or property in a built environment, particularly in more densely
populated areas, caused by rainfall overwhelming the capacity of drainage systems, such as storm sewers.
Although sometimes triggered by events such as flash flooding or snowmelt, urban flooding is a condition,
characterized by its repetitive and systemic impacts on communities, that can happen regardless of whether or
not affected communities are located within designated floodplains or near any body of water.

Flooding occurs when water accumulates over land that is usually dry. This
can be caused by:
Heavy rainfall, Prolonged rainfall, Intense rainfall, Storm surges, Snowmelt, Debris or
ice jams, Collapsed dams, Water control structure failure, Poor drainage, Drought.

Flooding can also be caused by:

 Deforestation
 Climate change
 Greenhouse gas emissions

Flooding can have long-term effects, including:

 Threatening lives
 Damaging infrastructure
 Destroying belongings
 Preventing access to public services
 Spreading communicable diseases
 Damaging plants and wildlife.
What are the effects of a flood?
The most immediate effect of a flood is the catastrophic loss of life and destruction of buildings and other
structures like bridges, sewerage systems, canals etc.

Floods also damage power transmission and sometimes power generation along loss of drinking water
treatment and water supply Lack of clean water combined with human sewage in the flood waters raises the
risk of waterborne diseases, which can include typhoid, cholera and many other diseases depending upon the
location of the flood.
  Flood waters typically inundate farm land, making the land unworkable and preventing crops from
being planted or harvested, which can lead to shortages of food both for humans and farm animals.
 Entire harvests for a country can be lost in extreme flood circumstances. Some tree species may not
survive prolonged flooding of their root systems.
Secondary and long-term effects
 Economic hardship due to a temporary decline in tourism, rebuilding costs, or food shortages leading
to price increases is a common after-effect of severe flooding.

Flooding can cause many hazards, including:

 Loss of life
 Property damage
 Crop destruction
 Livestock loss
 Waterborne diseases
 Soil erosion
 Pollution
 Migration and breeding events
 Soil and bank erosion
 Bed erosion
 Siltation
 Landslides
 Damaged vegetation
 Impacted water quality, habitats, and flora and fauna

Flooding can also cause:

 Injuries
 Drowning
 Contact with chemicals
 Being stranded
 Having no power or clean water
 Stress and anxiety
Flooding can be caused by:

 Prolonged rain over several days

 Intense rain over a short period of time
 Ice or debris jams causing a river or stream to overflow
 Water control structure failures, such as a levee or dam

Some risk factors for flooding include:

 Rapid population growth

 Rapid urbanization
 Environmental degradation
 Climate change
 Melting glaciers and rising sea levels.

Flood forecasting is a technique that uses a river basin's characteristics to predict

the height, discharge, and timing of flood peaks. The goal is to provide decision-
makers with timely and accurate information so they can take action to mitigate the
consequences of flooding.

The flood forecasting process involves applying collected data to models to anticipate
floods. Forecasters collect data like:
 The recent amount and location of rainfall
 The current water levels of rivers and reservoirs
 Temperature forecasts to factor in snowmelt

Flood forecasting is needed for developing appropriate measures to

control flood risk, mitigate flood hazard, evacuate people from flood
hazard areas, determine insurance premiums, and manage
environmental and water resources systems.
Flood forecasting is the process of predicting the occurrence, magnitude, timing,
and duration of floods in a specific area, often by analysing various hydrological,
meteorological, and environmental factors.

What are the methods of flood control?

Planting vegetation to retain excess water, terrace slopes to reduce slope

flow, and building alluviums (man-made channels to divert water from
flooding), construction of dykes, dams, reservoirs or holding tanks to store
extra water during flood periods.

Flood management- is a strategy to reduce the risk and damage from

flooding.

Some techniques for flood control include:

 Installing rock berms, rock rip-raps, and sandbags

 Maintaining normal slopes with vegetation
 Applying soil cements on steeper slopes
 Constructing or expanding drainage channels
 Planting vegetation to retain excess water
 Terracing slopes to reduce slope flow
 Building alluviums (man-made channels to divert water from flooding)
 Construction of dykes, dams, reservoirs, or holding tanks to store extra water during
flood periods

Natural flood management (NFM) uses natural processes to reduce the risk of
flooding. NFM methods include:
 Leaky dams
 Peatland restoration
 Storage areas
 Tree planting
  Soil and land management
 River and floodplain management
Some general flood management measures include:

 Reservoirs
 Embankments
 Channelization of rivers
 Channel improvement
 Drainage improvement
 Diversion of flood waters
 Watershed management

The Integrated Flood Management Information System

(IFMIS) is a system that includes data for overlay analysis.
Integrated Flood Management (IFM) is a process that combines land and water
resources development to maximize the use of floodplains and minimize loss of life
and property. It's a holistic approach that considers the interrelationship between
socio-economic development.

Integrated Flood Risk Management (IFRM) is a framework that combines social,

economic, financial, environmental, and institutional solutions to promote long-term
flood resilience.

Some structural methods used in flood control include:

 Dams
 Diversion canals
 Floodplains and groundwater replenishment
 River defenses
 Coastal defenses
 Flood barriers
 Temporary perimeter barriers
Geographic Information System (GIS) software, such as ArcGIS and QGIS, are commonly used
for geospatial analysis in flood management.
Integrated Flood Management and Information System (IFMIS) typically refers to a
comprehensive approach to managing floods and related information. This involves the
integration of various components, including data collection, monitoring, early warning
systems, risk assessment, and response planning. The goal is to develop a holistic
system that helps in mitigating the impact of floods on communities and infrastructure.

Key components of an Integrated Flood Management and Information System may

include:

1. Data Collection: Gathering information on rainfall, river levels, soil moisture, and
other relevant factors that contribute to flood risk.
2. Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Utilizing advanced monitoring
technologies to track changes in weather patterns, river levels, and other
indicators. Early warning systems help provide timely alerts to communities at
risk.
3. Risk Assessment: Evaluating the potential impact of floods on different areas,
considering factors such as geography, infrastructure, and population density.
4. GIS (Geographic Information System): Implementing GIS technology to map
and analyze spatial data, helping in visualizing flood-prone areas and planning
effective responses.
5. Community Engagement and Education: Involving local communities in the
process by educating them about flood risks, providing training on emergency
response, and fostering community resilience.
6. Infrastructure Planning: Designing and implementing infrastructure projects
(e.g., dams, levees, drainage systems) to mitigate flood risks.
7. Coordination and Communication: Establishing effective communication
channels between relevant authorities, emergency services, and the public to
ensure a coordinated response during flood events.
8. Post-Flood Recovery Planning: Developing strategies for post-flood recovery
and reconstruction, including the restoration of essential services and
infrastructure.
9. Policy and Governance: Implementing policies and governance structures that
support effective flood management, taking into account both short-term
emergency responses and long-term planning.

An effective Integrated Flood Management and Information System requires

collaboration among government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and other
stakeholders to address the complex nature of flood management. The integration of
technology and community engagement is crucial for the success of such systems in
minimizing the impact of floods on lives and property.

Flood control involves the implementation of various strategies, measures, and

infrastructure to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of flooding. Here are some
common approaches to flood control:

1. **Dams and Reservoirs:**

- Constructing dams and reservoirs helps regulate river flow by storing excess water
during periods of heavy rainfall. This stored water can be released gradually during drier
times to prevent downstream flooding.

2. **Levees and Embankments:**

- Building levees and embankments along riverbanks and coastlines helps contain
floodwaters and prevents them from inundating adjacent areas. Levees are raised
barriers designed to withstand the pressure of floodwaters.

3. **Channelization:**
- Modifying natural river channels through engineering techniques, such as widening
or deepening, can increase the capacity of rivers to carry water, reducing the risk of
overflow.

4. **Flood Walls:**
- Similar to levees, flood walls are vertical barriers constructed to prevent floodwaters
from reaching certain areas. They are often used in urban environments where space is
limited.

5. **Floodplain Zoning:**
- Implementing regulations that restrict certain types of development in flood-prone
areas helps minimize the impact of flooding on communities. This includes controlling
where and how buildings and infrastructure are constructed.

6. **Stormwater Management:**
- Proper stormwater management practices, such as the use of retention basins and
permeable surfaces, can help reduce the volume of water that contributes to flooding
during heavy rainfall.

7. **Afforestation and Reforestation:**

- Planting and maintaining trees and vegetation in catchment areas can help absorb
rainfall, reduce runoff, and stabilize soil, preventing erosion and decreasing the
likelihood of flash floods.

8. **Flood Warning Systems:**

 - Early warning systems utilize technology and monitoring stations to detect changes
in water levels and weather conditions. Timely alerts enable communities to evacuate or
take precautionary measures before a flood occurs.

9. **Community Preparedness and Education:**

- Educating communities about flood risks, providing information on evacuation
routes, and conducting regular drills contribute to effective preparedness and response
during flood events.

10. **Infrastructure Design:**

- Incorporating flood-resistant designs and materials in the construction of buildings
and infrastructure can minimize damage during flooding.

11. **International Collaboration:**

- Collaborating with neighboring countries on transboundary rivers and watersheds is
essential to address shared flood risks and coordinate management strategies.

It's important to note that a combination of these measures, tailored to the specific
characteristics of the region, is often necessary for effective flood control. Additionally,
climate change considerations and the potential for increased frequency and intensity of
extreme weather events may impact the design and implementation of flood control
measures.

Water-related hazards encompass various natural events or processes that can pose
risks to human populations, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Some of the key water-
related hazards include:

1. **Floods:**
- Flooding occurs when water exceeds normal levels and inundates land areas. It can
result from heavy rainfall, storm surges, snowmelt, or the failure of dams and levees.

2. **Droughts:**
- Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation that can lead to water
scarcity. It affects water availability for agriculture, drinking water supplies, and various
industries.

3. **Storm Surges:**
- Storm surges are abnormal rises in sea level during storms, particularly tropical
cyclones or hurricanes. They can lead to coastal flooding and pose significant risks to
coastal communities.

4. **Tsunamis:**
- Tsunamis are large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, or landslides. They can result in destructive coastal flooding.
5. **Landslides and Mudslides:**
- Heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt can trigger landslides and mudslides, leading to the
rapid movement of soil, rocks, and debris. These events can obstruct rivers and cause
localized flooding.

6. **Ice Jams:**
- In colder climates, ice jams occur when ice accumulates in rivers, blocking the flow
of water and causing localized flooding.

7. **Groundwater Depletion:**
- Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture, industry, and domestic use can lead
to the depletion of aquifers, causing subsidence and reducing the availability of water
resources.

8. **Waterborne Diseases:**
- Contamination of water sources can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, such
as cholera and dysentery. This can happen due to inadequate sanitation, pollution, or
the presence of harmful microorganisms.

9. **Saltwater Intrusion:**
- Saltwater intrusion occurs when saline water infiltrates freshwater aquifers, often due
to over-pumping of groundwater or sea-level rise, impacting the availability of freshwater
resources.

10. **Wildfires:**
- Wildfires can have water-related impacts, including increased runoff and erosion in
burned areas, which can lead to flash flooding and the degradation of water quality.

11. **Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs):**

- In mountainous regions, the melting of glaciers can lead to the formation of glacial
lakes. If the dam containing the lake fails, it can result in a rapid and potentially
destructive outburst flood downstream.

Understanding and mitigating these water-related hazards involve a combination of

early warning systems, infrastructure development, land-use planning, sustainable
water management practices, and international collaboration. Adaptation strategies are
crucial, especially in the context of changing climate patterns that can influence the
frequency and intensity of these hazards.

CYCLONES - Cyclones are large revolving tropical storms

caused by winds blowing around a central area of low atmospheric
pressure.
The rotation is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the
Southern Hemisphere.

Generally, when winds rise above 118 kmph, it is known as a cyclone.