Floods are real bad!
- Floods are the world’s deadliest natural disaster and happens when water overflows its usual gathering place.
- The deadliest known flood in history was the China flood in 1931, which killed 2.5 – 3.7 million people.
- Flash floods are floods that appear quickly and are short and destructive and normally take place on slopes and mountains.
- Flooding brings diseases and chemicals to towns which can kill many people.
- The most common ways people die due to floods, are when people try to cross flood waters, or are trapped in their house.
- Sometimes the government purposely floods other areas to avoid mass destruction of high populated areas.
- Sloped flood barriers, normally steel or plastic, sand bags, walls and bridges are used to help defend flood waters.
- When evacuating from floods, boats are typically used, although sometimes people are air lifted via helicopter.
- People should not enter flood waters due to the dangers of diseases, underground hazards or sea animals, including sharks.
- People use computers and 3D maps to help predict where floods will appear and there extent, as well as flood likeliness in a particular area.
Bibliography:
Mason, P 2011, Floods, Macmillian Library, Australia
