Information Booklet on what to do for Floods.

Information Booklet on what to do for Floods.


Introduction.

What is a Flood?
Floods occur when water covers land, which is normally dry. They may result from prolonged or very heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, monsoonal (wet season) rains in the tropics, or tropical cyclones. Less common causes include snowmelt, dam failure, or storm surge and tsunami both involving rapid seawater flooding. People, who live near rivers, in low-lying coastal areas or flood plains, live with the greatest threat of floods. Periods of heavy rain, not necessarily in their area, can lead to rises in the water level of streams and rivers to a point where channels can no longer hold the volume of water. Alternatively, for some coastal dwellers, there is the threat from the sea. There are three types of floods: Slow Onset Floods, Rapid Onset Floods and Flash Floods. Slow Onset floods may last for one or more weeks, or even months on some occasions. This type of flood can leave extensive damage...