Hobbies And Interests
Speed and Force
With a normal flood, water in a river rises and overflows. Flash floods involve torrential rain, compared with the rainfall during a normal flood. This type of extra heavy rainfall usually occurs during thunderstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes. Frequently, the rain breaks dams and levees. When the water breaks through a dam or levee, it moves with such speed and force that it destroys everything in its path. Images in the news of cars swept away, trees uprooted and buildings swamped illustrate the power of flash floods to sweep away everything in their path within a staggeringly short period of time.
Disease
Floods claim many human lives through drowning, but they also cause disease and loss of life in other ways. Flash floods destroy sewage systems, causing raw sewage to flow into local water systems. Contaminated drinking water causes severe public health problems, such as cholera and other waterborne diseases. This is a much more serious problem in developing countries as the drinking water system may already be weak and there is little access to bottled water. Mold grows in flooded houses, causing an added health problem.
Destruction
The destruction of buildings spreads toxins into the water system. Toxic substances include paints, gasoline and pesticides that kill fish and destroy river, lake and coastal ecosystems. In addition, crops are frequently destroyed, gas and electricity supplies are interrupted and the transport system is disrupted, making it even more difficult for people to evacuate the area or for emergency services to bring in aid. In underdeveloped countries, these effects are frequently more significant and lead to even greater loss of life. For example, disruption of transportation may lead to lack of food, resulting in starvation. In general, homes and businesses are destroyed wherever flash floods occur, and it can take a community and individuals a long time to recover emotionally and financially from the disaster.
Erosion
Flash floods uproot trees and erode riverbanks. These natural features normally provide protection from flooding. Once they are gone, the landscape is altered and the chance of further flooding is increased. Buildings and bridges also collapse as a result of erosion.