\u201cA flood may occur from water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, dams or even oceans, in which the water overtops or breaks banks, resulting in some of the water escaping its usual boundaries.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlooding may also occur due to an accumulation of rainwater on saturated ground,\u201d he said.<\/p>
Ntladi added that whenever flooding takes place, there is the possibility of loss of life, hardship for people, and extensive damage to property.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome floods occur abruptly and recede quickly whereas others take several days or even months to form and to recede because of various topographic factors,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cause factors of flooding:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 High rainfall intensity over a prolonged period<\/p>\n When infrastructure drainage systems to remove rainwater appropriately into reservoirs are overwhelmed and the water doesn\u2019t drain as quickly as it needs to, water will back up and rise into dwellings and other structures.<\/p>\n \u2022 Overflowing rivers<\/p>\n It is not necessary to have heavy downpours to experience flooding near a river. Rivers with dams not managed effectively can contribute to flooding.<\/p>\n \u2022 Broken dams<\/p>\n Aging dam walls and water gates can fail to contain the rising water levels in the dam. Broken walls can unleash torrents of water onto unsuspecting households.<\/p>\n \u2022 Storm surges and tsunamis<\/p>\n Storm surges related to hurricanes and other storms can lead to significant flooding, as can tsunamis which are caused by underwater earthquakes.<\/p>\n \u2022 Large paved areas<\/p>\n In large urban areas where large areas are paved and roads are tarred, the surface becomes impermeable resulting in water being unable to sink into the ground. Subsequently flooding occurs even with a small amount of rain which could have been handled easily by unpaved areas.<\/p>\n \u2022 Clogged drainage systems<\/p>\n Uncontrolled littering results in drainage systems clogging and prevents rainwater from draining quickly enough through the system.<\/p>\n \u2022 Developments in a natural waterway<\/p>\n Water naturally flows from a high-level area to low-lying areas. Poor developments in the low-lying areas will result in water damming and flooding the area and into the structures.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Take heed of these safety tips in a thunderstorm<\/a><\/p>\n Keep safe in the water this summer<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Types of floods:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Flash floods<\/p>\n Cause greater loss of life and they occur when runoffs from excessive rainfall cause a rapid rise in the water heights of streams or normally dry channels.<\/p>\n \u2022 River floods<\/p>\n Cause greater loss of property.<\/p>\n Floods cause wide-scale devastation and affects everyone negatively. It doesn\u2019t differentiate between the rich and the poor, the young and the old.<\/p>\n It can damage bridges and wash away automobiles, crops and livestock.<\/p>\n Pollution could also cause floods as the flow of sewerage and other debris into the rivers could cause blockages.<\/p>\n Safety tips on flooding:<\/strong><\/p>\n Planning and preparation are of paramount importance before experiencing flooding because you can save lives.<\/p>\n \u2022 Have a family evacuation plan. Tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters require people to have a plan on how to safely evacuate their homes, why not have it for floods?<\/p>\n \u2022 Have the essentials on hand. Keep at least three days of water, non-perishable food and any important medication on hand always, so it will be there when needed.<\/p>\n \u2022 Prepare your home and family. If you know a pending storm is likely to cause major flooding, have bags packed and ready in case you need to leave quickly.<\/p>\n \u2022 When evacuating, if possible, disconnect utilities and appliances beforehand to minimise the risk of fire and electrical hazards. Close and lock all the windows and doors.<\/p>\n \u2022 Stay away from floodwater. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, use an alternative route.<\/p>\n \u2022 When the floodwater covers the surface of a bridge, do not cross it. The bridge might have been washed away or the water stream might be strong enough to wash your vehicle or yourself away. Even if you drive a heavy truck do not take a chance.<\/p>\n \u2022 Be especially cautious at night when it\u2019s harder to see flood dangers.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep children and pets out of the water. The water might be polluted and full of debris which might be dangerous to human life and animals.<\/p>\n \u2022 Go to higher ground and avoid areas that are susceptible to flooding.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do not attempt to walk or drive through flowing streams or flooded roadways.<\/p>\n \u2022 Listen to the directions of local officials and stay updated by following local weather and news reports.<\/p>\n \u2022 If you come in contact with floodwater, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.<\/p>\n \u2022 After the floods, check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.<\/p>\n \u2022 If your home was affected by flood water, keep the power off until a qualified electrician has inspected your system for safety.<\/p>\n \u2022 Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.<\/p>\n \u2022 Prevent mould by removing wet contents immediately.<\/p>\n \u2022 Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect your premises.<\/p>\n For any life-threatening emergency use the following numbers:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 National toll-free number: 10177<\/p>\n \u2022 Emergency cellphone number: 112<\/p>\n \u2022 Ekurhuleni life-threatening emergency line: 011 458 0911.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a> <\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist) ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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