What Kinds of Damage Can Floods Do?

Accounting for roughly a third of all natural disasters and more than half of related deaths worldwide, floods are one of the worst manifestations of nature's wrath. Direct and indirect consequences of floods range from damage to property to irreversible changes in the ecosystem. With the unpredictability of its occurrence, high costs of maintaining flood control systems, and lack of education on proper preparation, most people can only deal with the flood's aftermath.

Damage to Cars

• Floods can pose the same threats of a car crash in some instances. Floods, especially in urban areas, can cause minor to irreparable damage to cars. While structural damages on both the exterior and interior are readily apparent and easily repairable, the electrical and safety systems can be compromised such that sustained damages won't be apparent until much later. Corrosion can set in later and the electrical wiring can turn brittle as a result of being submerged underwater.

Damage to Homes

• Floods can do a lot of damage to homes from the foundation to the roof, resulting in damage from the outside walls to the floor boards. Aside from structural damage, mold, germs and other disease-causing bacteria are likely to germinate in places not immediately cleaned and dried.

  Electrical systems and appliances can easily be damaged during floods. Deciding whether to replace or recondition anything related to electricity should be done with professional help. While piped water systems should not be damaged, there is no guarantee that contaminants do not find their way into the pipes. Floods also cause blockages of drainage and sewage systems, posing serious sanitation concerns.

Larger Social and Economic Impact

• Floods disrupt everyday living. Even after the flood waters recede, damage to public infrastructure can cause disruptions in power, water, communication systems, traffic, work, schools, and other social and economic activities. Food shortages, proliferation of various diseases and sometimes forced migration are not uncommon occurrences in a flood's aftermath. Long-term effects of flood include poverty and depression over loss of livelihood or loved ones.

Damage to the Ecosystem

• Floods can cause erosion, disruption or redirection of natural river or water sources. Top soil in agricultural plains can easily be washed away. Depending on the strength of the flood, the implications can range from mere alteration of the landscape to a decrease in agricultural productivity, and even endangerment of local flora and fauna.