Coastal Flooding
Coastal areas often bear the brunt of severe storms, especially if these have gathered pace over the oceans. Extreme weather and high tides can cause a rise in sea levels, sometimes resulting in coastal flooding. Low-lying seaside areas usually have defences against the water - whether that’s man-made defences or natural barriers such as sand dunes. As global warming develops, coastal flooding is expected to be a recurring and increasingly severe problem.
River Flooding
River flooding is one of the most common types of inland flood; occurring when a body of water exceeds its capacity. When a river ‘bursts its banks’ - typically due to high rainfall over a prolonged period of time - localised flooding can cause considerable damage to surrounding properties, as well as posing a significant safety threat. To prevent flooding, rivers needs good defences, especially in flat or populous areas.
Flash Flooding
Caused by heavy and sudden rainfall, flash flooding happens when the ground cannot absorb the water as quickly as it falls. This type of flood usually subsides quickly, but while it lasts can be fast-moving and dangerous. Flash flooding can be prevented by good drainage systems and by avoiding over-development on floodplains.
Groundwater Flood
As opposed to flash floods, groundwater flooding takes time to occur. As rain falls over an extended period, the ground becomes saturated with water until it cannot absorb any more. When this happens, water rises above the ground’s surface and causes flooding. This type of flooding can last for weeks or sometimes even months.
Drain and Sewer Flooding
Sewer floods are not always attributed to the weather. As well as rainfall, they could occur as a result of a blockage or similar failure within the drainage system. Drain and sewer flooding may be internal (within a building) or external.
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