question_answer 1)

We have now learnt some of the mitigation strategies that can be adopted to minimize the risk of floods. In the recent past there have been a number of incidents/events of flash floods in urban areas of India. Look for more information on this and write a short summary of their causes and impact. List mitigation measures that could be taken up to reduce the impact.

Answer:

Causes of Flash Flood in Urban Areas   (i) Lack of proper drainage or poor sewage system.   (ii) High intensity rainfall in a short period of time.   (iii) A river passing through an urban area breaching its embankments due to high water flow or heavy rain in the river's catchment area.   Impact of Flash Flood in Urban Areas   (i) Flash floods can affect built-up urban areas because run-off is increased 2 to 6 times due to the paved roads, parking areas, pavements and buildings.   (ii) About 60 % of total flood deaths occur in urban areas.   (iii) Significant damage to and loss of homes, other buildings, private property like cars and other costly items. This impacts more on the poorer sections of urban society (who may be residing in slums) and also people living in low lying areas.   (iv) Loss of livelihood for many days to the daily wage labourers.   Mitigation Measures that can be Taken   (i) Desilting of drains and sewerage systems should be done on a regular basis and definitely just before the monsoon rains start every year.   (ii) Ensuring proper land use rules are followed.   (iii) Development of improved detection and response warning systems. This includes forecasting such disasters by official agencies.   (iv) Education of the general public about how to reduce effects of flash floods. This can be done by posters, meetings of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in which experts are called to explain the measures to be taken, etc.