By Sein Lee, 10th grade

Floods are one of the most frequent natural disasters, causing massive destruction worldwide. According to Statista data, there were 164 flood disasters worldwide in 2023 alone. These include the floods that hit northern Libya, killing or leaving more than 10,000 people missing.

Climate change-induced phenomena are causing more intense rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding. This was also observed in Derna, Libya, in 2023.

This year, flooding has hit many countries, most recently in Central Europe and Northwest Africa.

There are many different types of flooding, but one particularly dangerous type is a ‘torrent flood’, which occurs within minutes or hours and causes rapid water surges. Torrent floods are often caused by heavy rainfall and can be powerful enough to destroy buildings. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall following a drought, are worsened by climate change and are a common cause of torrential floods.

A study published in 2024 by U.S. scientists in the journal Nature suggests that more and more people are living in flood-prone areas as climate change impacts weather events such as extreme rainfall, rising sea levels, and more powerful hurricanes.

So how can you survive a torrential flood? There are basic steps you can take to increase your chances of surviving the torrential downpour.

Look, listen, speak and learn carefully

The most important first step is to determine whether you live in a flood-prone area. Pay attention to local weather warnings, especially flood warnings from authorities.

If you are in an area where flooding is likely, make an evacuation plan for your family and pets. It is especially helpful to prepare an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, clean water, a phone charger, and waterproof clothing. Organizations such as the Red Cross offer information on preparing a kit.

As well as this, make sure your neighbors are aware of the flood risk, especially the elderly and vulnerable.

How can I protect my home?

The first step is to close and lock all doors and windows. Make sure there is an easy escape route. This can help reduce the amount of water that comes into your home. It is also a good idea to block floor drains and toilet seats with sandbags.

If you are outside and see water rushing into the street, move to higher ground immediately.

Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. According to Tom Shand, even a 0.5-meter wave can sweep away people or vehicles. In agreement with the World Health Organization, 75% of flood-related deaths are due to drowning.

In addition, the water can carry dangerous debris, including power lines, which can cause fatal electric shocks. Floodwater can also dislodge manhole covers, which can cause sudden falls of several meters into a sewer when walking through a flooded street.

Additionally, if you are inside, use the main switch to turn off the electricity. It is also recommended to turn off the gas and water and move furniture and electronic devices to a higher floor or location if possible. If the water rises, evacuate immediately.

After the flood

Always check with your local authorities before returning home. Floods can leave hazards such as downed power lines and debris and can contain dangerous animals such as snakes. Floods in particular often carry contaminated water containing sewage, oil, or other substances that may be harmful to health. Advice can vary from area to area, so it is important to always check with your local authorities for information.

Sources:

Statista. (2024, July 4). Number of natural disasters worldwide 2023, by type. https://www.statista.com/statistics/269653/natural-disasters-on-the-continents-by-nature-of-the-disaster/

Zhou, M., & Wang, S. (2024). The risk of concurrent heatwaves and extreme sea levels along the global coastline is increasing. Communications Earth & Environment, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01274-1

World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, August 29). Drowning. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drowning#:~:text=Drowning%20accounts%20for%2075%25%20of,as%20part%20of%20climate%20change