PDC Weekly Global Flood Survey: April 26, 2012
PDC Global Hazards Atlas displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards and accumulated rainfall for the past 7 days
Did you know that the water generated from the melting of snow, also known as snowmelt, plays a major role in the earth’s water cycle? In fact, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), in regions that have colder climates, Spring-time snowmelts can contribute the majority of water flow in rivers! The water generated from snowmelt can be both beneficial and harmful. For example, recent snowmelts this week in southern British Columbia, particularly in Kimberley, have caused multiple creeks to overflow, resulting in the flooding of homes and properties, prompting evacuations!
As we learned in last week’s Global Flood Report, flood related disasters can be quite deadly. Regardless of the cause of flooding, e.g. snowmelt or heavy rainfall, it is important that you and your family always be prepared! The PDC has a free global hazard alert, mobile app called Disaster Alert that will help provide you and your family with what Emergency Managers call “Situational Awareness,” meaning that it provides you with important information on active disasters and emergency situations in your area that might harm you and your family. It is also important for you to pay attention to the alerts and warnings that are issued by your local weather office or emergency management authority!
Below we will take a closer look at the recent flooding events in Africa and Russia.
Precipitation & Flooding: Africa
PDC Global Hazards Atlas centered on eastern Africa, displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards and accumulated rainfall for the past 3 days
PDC Global Hazards Atlas centered on eastern Africa, displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards and Population Density
According to a recent Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Africa Hazards Outlook, intense rainfall in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya have resulted in severe flooding and impacts to population. As a result, fatalities have occurred and populations have been displaced throughout the affected region. CPC has forecast flooding for the regions surrounding Lake Victoria in eastern Africa. As seen in the image above, these regions are densely populated, meaning that large numbers of people may be affected by the flooding.
The CPC’s latest weather forecaste for Africa shows above-average rainfall for Democractic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, and Somalia occuring over the next few days.
Precipitation & Flooding: Russia
PDC Global Hazards Atlas centered on the Volgograd Region of Russia, displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards
According to a recent International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) report, severe river-flooding has occurred in the Volgograd Region of western Russia. Flooding of the Elan and Tersa rivers has affected multiple districts, particularly Elansky, Rudniansky, and Kamylzhensky. At least 957 families (2,406 people) have been affected by the floods.
The latest forecast for the city of Kamyshin in northern Volgrograd shows a chance of precipitation and thunderstorms tonight, and partly cloudy conditions throughout the coming week.
Looking Ahead
PDC is currently monitoring flooding events in: Afghanistan, Australia, Burundi, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, England, Haiti, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Russia, Rwanda, Scotland, Uganda, Tanzania, and United States.
Over the next week, PDC will continue to monitor areas of high precipitation and keep a close eye on flooding across the globe. For the most up-to-date information on these flood events and all-hazards, download the free PDC Disaster Alert mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
