Floods

Some destinations are especially prone to seasonal flooding. It is a good idea to inform oneself in advance. To see statistics about countries that have experienced flooding, you can access statistics from the CRED database. Or to view information about ongoing flooding situations, see the Dartmouth Flood Observatory global map. Also, for the latest flooding updates worldwide, sign up for email or sms alerts at www.GDACS.org

Flooding Facts[1]  

What is a flood?

Flooding is the unusual presence of water on land to a depth which affects normal activities. Flooding can arise from:

• Overflowing rivers (river flooding),
• Heavy rainfall over a short duration (flash floods), or
• An unusual inflow of sea water onto land (ocean flooding). Ocean flooding can be caused by storms such as hurricanes (storm surge), high tides (tidal flooding), seismic events (tsunami) or large landslides (sometime also called tsunami).

Important facts to know about floods

River and flash flooding usually result from abnormally high rainfall over a relatively short period: Hours for flash floods; Days for river floods. Rapid snow melt can bring more water into the hydrological system than can be adequately drained; leading to what is generally called spring floods. Heavy rainfall during a tropical rainy season can lead to monsoon floods, which can affect rivers and may also occur as flash flooding.

Sedimentation of river beds and deforestation of water catchment areas can exacerbate conditions leading to river valley floods. Deforestation and paving over land can significantly increase the risk of flash floods. Building in flood plains or in environmentally degraded areas, or changing the natural drainage systems, can significantly increase the risk of flood damage.

Not all floods are bad. Seasonal flooding can be an important source of nutrients for agricultural lands, and recharge water supplies in dams and underground aquifers. In some parts of the world, a lack of seasonal flooding is a disaster.

A disaster usually occurs when people are not prepared for a flood due to the lack of early warning systems, preparedness and mitigation measures. Flooding which occurs at night, which happens rapidly, or both, is the most dangerous type of flooding.

What are the elements most at risk during floods?

• any structure situated within a flood plain
• earth buildings or masonry with water-soluble mortar
• buildings with shallow foundations or weak resistance to lateral loads or impact
• roads and bridges
• basements or underground buildings
• utilities
• machinery and electronics, including industry and communications equipment
• food stocks
• cultural artifacts
• fields and orchards
• confined livestock
• fishing boats and other maritime industries

What to do in the event of severe rain storms or flooding while travelling[2]  

What to do during heavy rains

• Be aware of the potential for flash floods in your destination. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Listen to radio or television stations for local information.
• Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated. Do not walk through moving water. Fifteen centimetres of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving.
•  Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground as long as you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as floodwaters rise.

What to do during a flood

• When the rain has stopped, report your condition and location to the resort management.
• Stay away from floodwaters. They may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Use common sense health and safety practices. Anyone who comes into contact with floodwaters should wash their hands with soap and clean water.
• Drink only water known to be safe. Listen for reports from the authorities on the safety of tap water.
• Stay away from moving water deeper than 15 centimetres. If you must walk through water, walk only in areas where it is calm and unmoving. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
• Be aware of areas where flood waters may have receded. Roads and bridges may have weakened and could collapse under weight of a car.
• Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
• Keep tuned to local radio or television stations for information about where to find medical help, and how to find temporary shelter or travel assistance.

Emergency preparations checklist

If a flood warning is given, meet with travel party members and tour directors to discuss the dangers of severe weather and under what conditions your trip should be curtailed. Contact your tour director or hotel staff for information on evacuation warning systems and travel coordinators in case of the need for evacuation.

Determine how a tour manager will notify you if a tour is to be curtailed. If you are travelling on your own, decide what conditions must arise for you to shorten your trip and return home. Recognize that you are not the only person or group making these decisions, and seek assistance from travel coordinators at the resort or transport venues.

Identify the location of the resort’s emergency notification bulletin boards, and if necessary, the emergency shelters designated by your hotel management.

Prepare a list of your travel party and their family contacts and telephone numbers. Provide this to the resort management and keep a copy with you.

Each time you leave the resort, keep staff informed of where you are going and who is in your travel party. Leave this information on a note in a prominent place in your room as well.

Be attentive to radio and television weather updates and instructions from authorities.

Pick one distant and one local friend, relative, tour director or resort manager for family members to call if separated during a storm. (It can be easier to call long distance than within the affected area.)

Keep family records and travel papers in a waterproof container. Include airline tickets, insurance policies, family identification and health care records.

Pack clothes and other items not in use and be prepared to finish packing quickly, if an evacuation of the area is imminent.

Evacuation

• Listen to a radio for the location of emergency shelters and other evacuation information. Follow instructions of local officials.
• Check the resort’s emergency notification board for information on where your travel party should gather for meetings; travel planning, relocation or transport to airports, trains or buses.
• Wear sensible clothing and sturdy shoes and use travel routes specified by local officials.
• Let the hotel know when you left and where you are going. Leave a note to that effect in your room and with the front desk.
• Stay safe, always listen to the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when told to do so.
• Leave your place of lodging if the emergency services say so.  Refusing to leave on their advice will put you, your family and those trying to help you at risk.
• When you are evacuated you will likely be taken to an evacuation centre run by local officials. Bring spare clothing, essential medication and baby care items if you have an infant.
• If you are travelling with pets, most evacuation centres will let you bring them. Take their food. Put cats and small animals in a pet carrier or secure box.

For Further Information on Floods  

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_585_,00.html

http://www.unep.org/depi/PDF/EEsnewsletterissue3.pdf

http://assets.panda.org/downloads/livingwithfloodswwfpolicybriefingfinal.pdf

http://www.floods.org/PDF/Intl_BestPractices_EU_2004.pdf

http://www.oas.org/CDMP/document/mitiplan/mittools.doc