Group 2 Flood Definition: An overflow of a large amount of water beyond its normal limits, especially over what is normally

ly dry land. A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land.

Types of Flooding Flooding can be divided into different categories according to their duration: Slow-Onset Floods Slow-Onset Floods usually last for a relatively longer period, it may last for one or more weeks, or even months. As this kind of flood last for a long period, it can lead to lose of stock, damage to agricultural products, roads and rail links. can also be lethal but tend to give people much more time to move to higher ground. Rapid-Onset Floods Rapid-Onset Floods last for a relatively shorter period, they usually last for one or two days only. Although this kind of flood lasts for a shorter period, it can cause more damages and pose a greater risk to life and property as people usually have less time to take preventative action during rapidonset floods. Flash Floods Flash Floods may occur within minutes or a few hours after heavy rainfall, tropical storm, failure of dams or levees or releases of ice jams. And it causes the greatest damages to society. Flooding can also be divided into different categories according to their location: 1. Coastal Floods Coastal Floods usually occur along coastal areas. When there are hurricanes and tropical storms which will produce heavy rains, or giant tidal waves created by volcanoes or earthquakes, ocean water may be driven onto the coastal areas and cause coastal floods. Rainfall over an extended period and an extended area can cause major rivers to overflow their banks. The water can cover enormous areas. Downstream areas may be affected, even when they didnt receive much rain themselves. 2. Arroyos Floods A arroyo is river which is normally dry. When there are storms approaching these areas, fast-moving river will normally form along the gully and cause damages. 3. River Floods This is the most common type of flooding. When the actual amount of river flow is larger than the amount that the channel can hold, river will overflow its banks and flood the areas alongside the river. And this may cause by reasons like snow melt or heavy spring rain.

4. Urban Floods In most of the urban area, roads are usually paved. With heavy rain, the large amount of rain water cannot be absorbed into the ground and leads to urban floods.

Poor drainage system Paved road that do not sip water

Flood Effects To: 1. Human Beings lose their homes. Flooding will cause death and injuries. Disease Flooding usually brings infectious diseases, pneumonic plague,common cold (type A),etc. And for those areas which have no electric supply due to flooding, food poisoning may occur as food may not be properly frozen. Health Risks and Contamination In populated areas that experience flooding, the water brings with it the increased risk for diseases, infection and other injuries. Anyone caught in a flood runs the risk of drowning, no matter if the person can swim or not. Flood waters may contain sewage waste, making the water extremely unhealthy. Flood waters may contaminate drinking water supplies as well as food, leading to problems like diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Open wounds exposed to contaminated flood water may become infected.

2. Environment Damaging the farmland Flooding brings too much water which will cause damage to farmland. Destroying the Crops 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 Crop Damage Flooding can potentially damage crops and other plants that become oversaturated with water. According to North Dakota State University's Extension Service, prolonged soil saturation affects crop growth and yield, which can severely hamper production of important crops like corn and soybeans. The university states that research indicates the oxygen concentration in flooded soil approaches zero within a day. Without oxygen, certain plants, such as corn, cannot perform critical life-sustaining functions. Many nonagricultural plants are also harmed being submerged in water.

Econimic Loss Resources used in reconstruction After flooding, government has to input many resources for aiding or reconstruction, e.g., police force, fire control, aid worker, resources used for resisting flood, etc. This also brings loss to society. Destroyed business centre. Import and export dilemma Tourism Floods damage standing agricultural crops and may also carry away the top soil making the land barren. Floods damage all immovable properties that get submerged in flood waters.

3. Properties Physical damage damage to structures, including bridges, buildings, sewerage systems, roadways, and canals. Transport ] Transport links destroyed, so hard to get emergency aid to those who need it. Sewage The sudden rise in the water level can often destroy sewer and drainage systems, making a potential health hazard anywhere that has been affected. Human waste and other hazardous materials can wash out into the streets and into homes and potentially contaminate drinking water supplies. 4. Living Organism Water-based Ecosystems Upset Ecosystems depend on a careful balance of factors, and the sudden impact of a flood can quickly disrupt this, with dramatic consequences. While the flood itself will affect mainly dry land, the ecosystems of deep water-based habitats, such as coral reefs, are particularly at risk from the runoff from the flood. This runoff will contain sediment and products such as pesticides and fertilizers, and will carry these into the ecosystem. These changes in the very nature of the water can affect every part of the ecosystem habitats may be destroyed, and animal and plant life is likely to suffer. For example, the sediment may obscure the sunlight which marine plants need to survive. As a result, these plants will not photosynthesize and may die. Benefits to Plants

On dry land, plant life can benefit from the sudden appearance of a large quantity of flood water. Water stored underground will be replenished by the floodwater, while the soil above ground will be able to soak up the water. Plants will be able to receive water as a result. The nutrients carried by the flood water can also revive deprived plants and aid in the germination of seeds.

Over the long term, this flood water may provide a new lease on life for an area. The soil is likely to be more fertile, leading to a suitable area in which to grow crops. Some cultures have traditionally relied on yearly floods to replenish the land's nutrients.

Animals Land-based animals face many of the same threats from flooding as humans. Large floods can trap animals and potentially cause them to drown. Flood waters can displace animals like snakes and rodents, which can pose dangerous conditions for animals and humans.