Flooding is a common natural disaster when a body of water overflows its borders or rain falls and over-saturates sodden soil. Although flooding can happen anywhere, some areas are more prone to flooding than others. For example, low-lying grounds close to water bodies, also known as flood plains. Aside from houses built on floodplains, some areas suffer flooding occasionally. If you live in such areas, you'll most likely suffer some damage due to the flooding.
Whatever the case, having a reliable water damage restoration company is invaluable. Look out for the Robinson Restoration logo if you want qualified and insured contractors working on your home. But first, here's everything you need to know about living in flood-prone areas.
Why Do People Live In Flood-Prone Areas?
There are different reasons why a person or family can choose to reside in floodplains. One reason is free to access or proximity to a water supply. Whether for recreational purposes or just for human consumption, living around floodplains grants you access to an ample water supply with little or no cost. Large water bodies often become a fundamental water source and create community business opportunities.
Risk Factors Of Flooding
Several factors can increase the risks of flooding. Some of them include the following:
Rainfall
Both prolonged and heavy rainfall affect the balance of the already saturated soil of floodplains. The water would naturally run off into the river when the soil can no longer hold it in. As the rivers get fuller and overflow their banks, they gradually begin to flood the surrounding areas depending on the intensity of the rain. If you live within areas with consistent rainfall, the risk of floods is higher as the soil hardly dries up before another shower begins.
Topography
Naturally, the base of a downward slope (valley areas) has higher flooding tendencies than a more leveled ground. That is because water would rush with more speed through sloped land.
Deforestation
Tree removal causes erosion and prevents interceptions that these trees provide against floods. If you live in a floodplain where the felling of trees is a constant practice, you should plant trees and other vegetation to help absorb as much moisture as possible.
Rock Types
Soft rocks absorb moisture and slow the rate at which water rushes into the river. An area with impermeable rocks will still suffer flooding as if there were no rocks.
Dangers Of Living In A Flood-Prone Area
The dangers of living in flood-prone areas range from minor to very severe. They include:
Loss of Life and Property
When flooding occurs, the force of the flowing water can sweep away anything that stands in its path. This can result in the destruction of properties, or standing structures such as houses, leaving many displaced or homeless. Severe flooding can also result in loss of life, destruction of crops, livestock, or any other form of business that thrives on floodplains, causing a loss of livelihood and rendering businesses bankrupt.
Disease Outbreak
Usually, there are higher outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid after flooding. However, even without flooding, people living in these areas are often vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
Unstable Economy
No doubt, the economy of such areas tends to be unstable because many things lose value very quickly. Floods also have long-term effects on transport, communication, health, electricity, and even educational sectors.
Algal Bloom
Flooding can also lead to algal bloom in water bodies like lakes, rivers, and oceans due to the abundance of nutrients that cause excessive algae growth. When this happens, the development of algae on the water's surface prevents oxygen from getting into the water, leading to the death of aquatic organisms.
Helpful Tips For Homeowners In Flood-Prone Areas
Whichever reason a homeowner has for living in floodplains, here are some basic precautions that can help prevent severe losses during flooding:
Flood Insurance
Having flood insurance can help you recover some losses you may experience after flooding.
Have an Emergency Kit
Keep emergency food supplies, drugs, blankets, clothes, and other essentials handy. This will help provide immediate relief after a flood.
Living in a flood-prone area leaves you vulnerable to various losses, with loss of life being the most severe. While it's best to avoid living in flood-prone areas, sometimes, it's inevitable. However, regardless of the situation, it's advisable to be prepared for the losses that may occur.
