Flood Causes and Effects

Tsunami

• Flooding can be a result of a tsunami. A tsunami is a natural disaster that can be triggered by an earthquake, sending walls of water upon land that can reach from 30 to 100 feet. The impact of the water creates massive flooding that sweeps away everything within its path. Sometimes traveling at very high speeds, a tsunami can hit swiftly. Therefore, residents who are within its path often have only minutes to seek higher ground.

Hurricane

• Hurricanes is another reason for widespread flooding. Hurricanes usually form in the warm waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean with winds over 75 miles an hour. A hurricane is made of complexes of thunderstorms carrying torrential rain bands. A hurricane's storm surge can hit land with walls of water several feet high, dumping gallons of rain in minutes, causing massive flooding all around.

Heavy Rains

• Heavy rain falls and melting snow can also cause flooding, especially if rivers are in the vicinity. Riverbanks can overflow, and dams can break. Usually, when this type of flooding occurs, backyards are easily turned into ponds and street into streams. Although river flooding may not be as destructive as floods resulting from tsunamis or hurricanes, people must still take proper precautions to protect themselves, their families and belongings.

Environmental Impact

• The effects of flooding can be horrific, resulting in destruction of property, physical damage and loss of lives. Strong and sustained flooding can also destroy crops such as corn, wheat and fruit and contaminate the water supply. Therefore, when disaster strikes, it is a good idea to be well-stocked with supplies, such as a first aid kit, non-perishable food, bottled water, a flashlight with additional batteries, a communication device and emergency money.