Flooding in all Season!

In the northern hemisphere, temperatures are starting to cool as we move into fall and winter. Before we know it, those rainy autumn days will be turning into snowy cold winter days! However, did you know that flooding can occur at any time of the year? When you think about “Winter Hazards” perhaps mainly ice, snow, and extreme cold come to mind. However, flooding can still be a major threat!

Some causes of winter-related flooding are:

• Ice Jams
• Snowmelt
• Coastal Flooding

According to the United States Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):

• “Ice Jams” can occur when large pieces of ice create natural dams, causing rivers to swell and overflow (see image below). Flooding may also occur when an Ice Jam suddenly breaches, releasing water that was built-up behind it.

Photo of dramatic ice jam forming on the Meduxnekeag River. Photo taken by Canadian Red Cross, Woodstock, New Brunswick.

• Winter flooding may also be caused by the melting of snow (a.k.a. “Snowmelt”). Snowmelt can produce large volumes of water, which can cause lakes, rivers, and streams to overflow their banks.
• “Coastal Flooding” may be caused by strong onshore flows of wind generated by winter storms, resulting in the inundation of coastal land areas.

Want to learn more about flooding in all season and other types of disasters? Then, be sure to check out the PDC’s Natural Hazards page! Also don’t forget to download the free Disaster Alert mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. PDC’s Disaster Alert will help you stay aware of hazard happening in your neighborhood and around the world!

Recent Flooding Events

Some flooding events that occurred this week are:

• Pakistan
• Ongoing Flood Situation
• Around 5 million persons affected, over 466,000 houses damaged (UNOCHA)
• Bangladesh (Coastal)
• Monsoon Depression and Flood
• Noakhali, Bhola, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, and Laxmipur districts
• 34 persons killed, 241 Injured, 4 missing (CDMP)
• Iran
• Heavy Rainfall, Flooding
• 7 persons killed, 1,000 displaced (GDACS)
• Nigeria
• Ongoing Flood Situation
• Additional heavy rains forecasted (NOAA/CPC)
• Kenya (Meru District)
• Torrential Rains
• At least six persons killed
• Additional heavy rains forecasted, potential for further flooding (NOAA/CPC)

PDC is currently monitoring flooding events in: Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, England, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Pakistan, Somalia, Niger, Nigeria, Scotland, Wales, and Vietnam.

Looking Ahead

Over the next week, PDC will continue to monitor areas of high precipitation and keep a close eye on flooding across the globe. Want to find the most up-to-date information on flooding and other hazards occurring in your neighborhood or around the world? Then be sure to download PDC’s free Disaster Alert mobile app available for your iOS or Android devices today! Also be sure to continue to monitor PDC on Twitter, Facebook, and by way of the Global Hazards Atlas.