Learning about different types of floods
Every year we read news about private and public properties suffering millions of dollars worth of damages caused by floods. Even if you are not located in an area that is known for being affected by this common natural disaster, there is always this possibility of a sudden intrusion of flood which can cause serious damages to your property. In this article, we are going to learn about some of the common types of floods that often affect us and leave us into disarray.
Coastal floods
Coastal floods affect the settlements in coastal areas which can get flooded by waves due to storm surges created by strong winds or heavy rains. Low-level coastal areas are more affected by this kind of flooding.
Flash floods
Heavy rains can lead to flash floods that contain such force that they can wash away cars, homes, and other heavy debris and material. Flash floods can develop suddenly although they usually affect a smaller area.
Urban floods
Urban floods are the result of city drainage systems which are unable to channel rain volumes properly. The shortage of natural drainage systems can also lead to unexpected flooding which costs millions of dollars of losses every year. Local flooding can overcome some roads making it difficult and dangerous to drive. Urban floods of only a few inches of water can still cause serious damage to the building's structure.
River floods
Towns and cities that are located very close to rivers can face river flooding due to excessive rainfall. River floods are notorious for inflicting severe economic damages on a community which can take years of reconstruction work to restore.
Pluvial floods
Pluvial floods usually form in those locations where the land is considerably flat and the terrain fails to absorb the excess rainwater during heavy rainfall. Although pluvial floods are more like urban floods, they usually occur in rural areas.
There is very little we can do when a flood occurs. Therefore, it is always recommended that a city or town should take preventative measures to make sure that they have the required infrastructure to absorb the rainwater during heavy rain falls. If you are living in an area that is known for being affected by flood on a regular basis, make sure to call for an expert who can examine your home to help you make it more resistant to flooding.
