Flooding Group Presentation Project Outline
Geography 1700; Natural Disasters
Katie Flanery; Jordan Stott; Todd Farnes; Brian Higgens, Brooke (Lizzy) Anderson
Introduction Slide:
By definition, Flooding is a Natural Hazard, and is something that needs to have attention given in areas prone to
flooding so it does not become a Disaster. There are few places on Earth where people need not be concerned
about flooding. Any place where rain falls is vulnerable, although rain is not the only impetus for flood.
Even with the potentially deadly hazards flooding can present, there is also great benefits of flooding if it is
managed and planned for.
(Picture for powerpoint) (1)
Flood Basics Slide (s):
According to National Geographic (1), A flood can occur in a variety of ways. The most typical occurrences are due
to rivers or banks overflowing. Excessive rain, ruptured damns/levees, rapid ice melting, etc. are all other examples
of flooding occurrences as well.
Although flooding into adjacent floodplains from rivers has been happening for millions of years, it has only more
recently become a disaster due to humans desire to live closer to these areas than necessary. Places like Germany,
where they have lost an estimated 80 percent of their natural flood plains, people are beginning to ask questions
of what we can do to not try to force our populations into such areas (2).
Flooding Group Presentation Project Outline
Geography 1700; Natural Disasters
Katie Flanery; Jordan Stott; Todd Farnes; Brian Higgens, Brooke (Lizzy) Anderson
Flood Disasters From Hazard Slide(s):
Venezuela - 1999:
On 15 December 1999, Venezuela suffered its worst natural disaster when a torrent of water, boulders,
and debris broke free from the side of the Avila mountain after continued heavier-than-normal rain fall.
Video Break: 4 minutes 55 seconds
***Please insert this link into powerpoint presentation around this point***
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwpLgzt6hYM) (7)
There are estimates that between 10,000 to 30,000 people lost their lives, and the area is still in a mess
ten years later (4).
This became a tragedy for many reasons, including a massive amount of population, and shantytown
styles structures (5) not designed to withstand much more than basic needs, let alone events meant to
change something.
Sardinia - 2013:
Very recently on November 18th, Italy had to declare a state of emergency when massive, freak amounts
threw torrents of water on the island better known for tourism of pristine beaches, and crystal clear
waters. Sardinia received half its amount of annual rain in one day (8). Bridges have collapsed, and water
is up to 10 feet high in some areas.
So far, 17 are confirmed dead, but this number may rise.
(Picture for powerpoint) (8)
Flooding Group Presentation Project Outline
Geography 1700; Natural Disasters
Katie Flanery; Jordan Stott; Todd Farnes; Brian Higgens, Brooke (Lizzy) Anderson
Video Break: 1 minute 7 seconds
***Please insert this link into powerpoint presentation around this point***
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbGWHiAUEZM (10)
In summary, examples like these should be a lesson for population planning in flood-prone areas.
Flood Benefits Slide(s):
On the opposing side of this, there can also be a great benefit from flooding as well.
Whenever a river overflows, it dumps sand, silt, debris, etc. onto the surrounding land (11). After flood waters
recede, you have a more fertile land because of what the water has deposited.
A great example of areas which have harnessed the power of floods for better growing soil are the Egyptians. Since
ancient times, they have planned their farming and harvest around the expected flooding of the Nile River (11).
(Picture for powerpoint) (11):
Video Break: 1 minute 30 seconds
***Please insert this link into powerpoint presentation around this point***
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgxGhvilLpA (12)
Flood Facts to Remember Slide(s) (13):
***Ask Trivia Questions related to benefits throughout this section while presenting, but after slide of these
facts***
1.
No region is safe from flooding. All 50 states are subject to flash floods.
2.
Flash floods can bring walls of water from 10 to 20 feet high.
3.
A car can be taken away in as little as 2 feet of water.
4.
In the last 10 years on average, flooding cost the U.S. $2.9 billion annually.
Flooding Group Presentation Project Outline
Geography 1700; Natural Disasters
Katie Flanery; Jordan Stott; Todd Farnes; Brian Higgens, Brooke (Lizzy) Anderson
5.
To stay safe during a flood, go to the highest ground of floor possible. If your skin comes in
contact with flood water, make sure to wash it with soap and disinfected water because the
contents are unknown.
6.
Flooding can be caused by spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy
rains, snow melt runoffs, flash floods, and mudflows.
7.
Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires. 90 percent of all U.S.
natural disasters declared by the President involve some sort of flooding.
8.
In preparation for a flood, it is important to stock up on first aid items, non-perishable foods, 3
gallons of water per person for 3 days, battery operated radio for weather reports, extra
batteries, personal hygiene necessities.
9.
A 2,000 square foot home undergoing 12” of water damage could cost more than $50,000
(Floodsmart).
10. Since flood damage is almost never covered by homeowners insurance, flood insurance is
important for people living in high-risk flood zones.
11. Communities particularly at risk for flooding are those located in low-lying areas, near water, or
downstream from a damn.
Summary Slide (s):
If we could take initiative from the people who use flooding as a benefit, or even those asking about what they can
do to lessen the hazards, we would be better able to allow the water to do what it does naturally without the
danger we are causing by ourselves when we build to close to these potential hazards, and do not plan for events.
Flooding Group Presentation Project Outline
Geography 1700; Natural Disasters
Katie Flanery; Jordan Stott; Todd Farnes; Brian Higgens, Brooke (Lizzy) Anderson
11 FACTS ABOUT FLOODS TRIVIA (Our answer guide) (13):
3 to 5 minutes depending on participation
1.
What regions are safe from flooding?
No region is safe from flooding. All 50 states are subject to flash floods.
2.
How much water can flash floods bring?
Flash floods can bring walls of water from 10 to 20 feet high.
3.
Can cars be swept away in water?
Yes. A car can be taken away in as little as 2 feet of water.
4.
How much is the average spent on flooding?
In the last 10 years on average, flooding cost the U.S. $2.9 billion annually.
5.
What are some basic safety points to remember when flooding happens?
To stay safe during a flood, go to the highest ground of floor possible. If your skin comes in contact with
flood water, make sure to wash it with soap and disinfected water because the contents are unknown.
6.
Can flooding happen outside of coastal areas?
Yes. Flooding can be caused by spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy
rains, snow melt runoffs, flash floods, and mudflows.
7.
What is the most wide-spread Natural Disaster in the U.S?
Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires. 90 percent of all U.S. natural
disasters declared by the President involve some sort of flooding.
8.
What are some things you should prepare if in a flood-prone area?
In preparation for a flood, it is important to stock up on first aid items, non-perishable foods, 3 gallons of
water per person for 3 days, battery operated radio for weather reports, extra batteries, personal hygiene
necessities.
9.
What is an example of damage cost to a home during flooding of up to 12" of water?
Based on Floodsmart site, a 2,000 square foot home undergoing 12” of water damage could cost more
than $50,000.
10. Should you purchase flood insurance as a homeowner?
Since flood damage is almost never covered by homeowners insurance, flood insurance is important for
people living in high-risk flood zones.
11. Who is at high risk for flooding?
Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a
damn.
Flooding Group Presentation Project Outline
Geography 1700; Natural Disasters
Katie Flanery; Jordan Stott; Todd Farnes; Brian Higgens, Brooke (Lizzy) Anderson
11 FACTS ABOUT FLOODS (TRIVIA HANDOUT):
1.
What regions are safe from flooding?
2.
How much water can flash floods bring?
3.
Can cars be swept away in water?
4.
How much is the average spent on flooding?
5.
What are some basic safety points to remember when flooding happens?
6.
Can flooding happen outside of coastal areas?
7.
What is the most wide-spread Natural Disaster in the U.S?
8.
What are some things you should prepare if in a flood-prone area?
9.
What is an example of damage cost to a home during flooding of up to 12" of water?
10. Should you purchase flood insurance as a homeowner?
11. Who is at high risk for flooding?
Flooding Group Presentation Project Outline
Geography 1700; Natural Disasters
Katie Flanery; Jordan Stott; Todd Farnes; Brian Higgens, Brooke (Lizzy) Anderson
Works Cited:
About Floods:
1.
2.
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/floods-profile/
http://www.dw.de/green-riverbanks-could-avert-disastrous-flooding/a-16873773
Vargas Tragedy:
3.
4.
5.
6.
http://laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=348951&CategoryId=10717
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8412249.stm
http://www.byhisgrace.cc/esperanza/pages/disaster.html
http://www.mgm.fr/ARECLUS/page_auteurs/Richard-Usselman.html
Video for presentation:
7.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwpLgzt6hYM)
Sardinia Tragedy:
8.
9.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/11/19/sardinia-italy-floods/3637167/
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kse6lzj09fet.pdf
Video for presentation:
10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbGWHiAUEZM
What's good about a Flood?
11. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/flood/gifts3.html
Video for presentation:
12. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgxGhvilLpA
Flooding Trivia:
13. http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-floods