Flooding

is said to occur when land not normally covered by water becomes covered by water. It could occur when heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage capacity of the local area. an intense and prolonged rainfall spells; unusually high coastal and estuarine waters due to storm

Blasting - this causes landslides in the slopes of hills and mountains which may result in the unintentional damming of rivers and streams. Construction of temporary dams - this produces an impediment to the flow of a river or stream which then results in an overflow Failure of hydraulic and other control structures - accidents like the breaking of a dike result in the entry of an enormous quantity of water in a protected area; and Mismanagement of hydraulic structures - control structures like dams which are utilized for various purposes are usually operated according to what is known as an "operation rule" and mismanagement which results in the violation of the rule may necessitate an untimely and sudden release of large amounts of excess water.

 minor

flooding- inundation may or may not be due to overbanking. When there is no bank overflow, flooding is simply due to the accumulation of excessive surface run-off in low lying flat areas. Floodwaters are usually confined to the flood plain of the river along the channel, on random low-lying areas and depressions in the terrain. Floodwater is usually shallow and there may not be a perceptible flow.

 major

flood- flooding is caused by the overflowing of rivers and lakes; by serious breaks in dikes, levees, dams and other protective structures; by uncontrollable releases of impounded water in reservoirs and by the accumulation of excessive runoff. Floodwaters cover a wide contiguous area and spread rapidly to adjoining areas of relatively lower elevation. Flooding is relatively deep in most parts of the stricken areas. There is a highly perceptible current as the flood spreads to other areas.

 Flash

floods- develop in hilly and mountainous terrains where the slope of the river is rather steep. The rapid development of the flood is due to the extremely short concentration time of the drainage catchment. This means that precipitation falling on a point in the catchment farthest from the river takes only a short time to reach the river channel and become part of streamflow. Thus, the amount of streamflow rapidly increases and, consequently,

the rise in water level. When the flow capacity of the stream is exceeded, the channel overflows and the result is a flash flood.

 usually

from 12 to 24 hours or even longer, to develop after the occurrence of intense rainfall, there is a particular type which develops after no more than six hours and, frequently, after an even less time. These are what are known as "flash floods".

 BEFORE

A FLOOD Monitor your surroundings. Monitor , local television and radio stations, or go to www.weather.gov. If a flash flood warning is issued for your area: Climb to safety immediately. Flash floods develop quickly. Do not wait until you see rising water. Get out of low areas subject to flooding. If driving, do not drive through flooded roadways!

Drinking water Fill clean containers. Food that requires no refrigeration or cooking. Cash. Medications and first aid supplies. Clothing, toiletries. Battery-powered radio. Flashlights. Extra batteries. Important documents: insurance papers, medical records, bank account numbers.

 Be

prepared to evacuate. Identify places to go. Identify alternative travel routes that are not prone to flooding. Plan what to do with your pets. Fill your cars gas tank. If told to leave, do so quickly.

 Review

your Family Disaster Plan. Discuss flood plans with your family. Decide where you will meet if separated. Designate a contact person who can be reached if family members get separated. Make sure every family member has the contact information.

Protect your property. Move valuables and furniture to higher levels. Move hazardous materials (such as paint, oil, pesticides, and cleaning supplies) to higher locations. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch them if you are wet or standing in water. Bring outside possessions indoors or tie them down securely. This includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, and other movable objects. Seal vents to basements to prevent flooding.

Be

alert. Monitor your surroundings. Monitor Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, or go to www.weather.gov. Dont drive unless you have to. If you must drive, travel with care. Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel. Follow recommended routes. DO NOT sightsee.

 Wait

until it is safe to return. Monitor Weather Radio or local television and radio stations. Do not return to flooded areas until authorities indicate it is safe to do so. Do not visit disaster areas following a flood. Your presence may hamper urgent emergency response and rescue operations.