Examines the power of flood waters and illustrates the importance of knowing the potential risks in an area.
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Of
all natural disasters floods are the most costly in terms of human hardship
and economic loss. Most communities in the
United States do experience some kind of flooding.
In the United States the floods of 1889 (Johnstown), 1927 (Mississippi
River), 1976 (Big Thompson River near
 Denver),
1993 (Mississippi River), and 1997 (Western Tributary System of the
Mississippi River) are well known and documented disasters. Globally
the most significant flood in terms of loss of human life is the Huang
He River in China where approximately 3.7 million people were killed
in 1931. In 1939 the same river flooded again,
killing 500,000 people. In 1970 a cyclone and a seismic wave in the
Bay of Bengal killed 266,000 people. These serve as terrible reminders
that floods may be devastating. |
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The most common
types of floods are:
Floodwaters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet. Flash floods move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings, and wipe out bridges. Cars can be swept away in just 2 feet of water.  It is clear that the government cannot continue to subsidize disaster relief and recovery. It is important for citizens to recognize risks associated with floods and plan and prepare wisely. Further research is necessary in order to gain a better understanding of climate and global change. Hopefully, new and better technologies will evolve to help us with our predictive abilities to recognize when the water is on the rise. |
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