What Effect Does a Flood Have on People?

Traditionally, mankind has lived near rivers for water, food, transport and protection. However, flooding can transform a tranquil water course into a raging torrent that destroys property and food crops, and poses a danger to life through drowning and disease.

Health

Just 6 inches of fast-flowing water can be enough to knock a person over. Aside from the risk of drowning, flooding can disrupt sewage and sanitation services. This can lead to the spread of bacteria and viruses, presenting a serious health hazard.

Agriculture

Flood water can destroy crops, but can also carry away fertile top soil. Flooding can also destroy agricultural buildings and drown farm animals.

Pakistan

In July 2010, 12 inches of rain fell in northwest Pakistan in a period of 36 hours, producing the worst monsoon floods in living memory. The largest city in the region, Peshawar, with a population of 3 million, was completely cut off. A total of 800 people were killed and about 1 million more were affected by the flooding.

References

• Staffordshire Learning Net: River Flooding
• BBC News: Pakistan Floods Kill 800 People and Affect a Million