WASH Cluster – Urban flooding
UF1
Session Plan
UF1 – Significance and Context of Urban Floods
Timetable
Introduction and
expectations
UF1:
Understanding
the significance
and context of
urban floods
UF2: Rapid
emergency WASH
assessment
UF3: Plan and
response to
urban floods
UF3: Plan and
response to
urban floods
Evaluation
30 mins
75 mins
90 mins
90 mins
90 mins
15 mins
Session-at-a-Glance
Session Activities
Approx.
Time
Instructional Activity
How floods are differentiated in terms of
Rural and Urban
8 mins
Brainstorm and plenary
discussion
Types and causes of urban floods
7 mins
Power point presentation
Case Study 1 - Floods in Gonaïves, Haiti,
2008
30 mins
Small group discussion and
feedback to plenary
Impacts and challenges of responding to
urban floods
20 mins
Power point presentation
Standards for response
5 Mins
Power point presentation
Questions & feedback
5 mins
Plenary feedback
Total time
1 hr 15 mins
Session Aims

To develop knowledge and understanding about the context and impacts of urban
floods, as well as challenges and standards for the response.
Session Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

List the differences between urban and rural flooding

Identify at least three types of floods

Summarise the major causes and impacts of urban flooding
WASH Cluster – Urban flooding
UF1

Analyse information from a case study and identify impacts and challenges for the
response

Identify at least three different groups of people that may be affected in different
ways by urban floods

Explain the relevance and need to fit the response into the global and national
context so as to avoid programme operations in isolation.
Session Materials

Computer and projector

Handout: Case Study 1 – Floods in Gonaïves, Haiti, 2008
Key Learning Points





There are three principle types of floods: rapid-onset, slow-onset and annual
seasonal flooding
The impact and health risks of urban floods set priorities for the WASH response
It is important to consider the needs of different users, particularly people of
vulnerable groups e.g. women, those who remain in their own homes and those who
relocate to unofficial shelters
There are substantial challenges to overcome while responding to emergencies in
urban flood settings
Sphere and other sector standards should be adhered to where possible but also
considering the local context including Government standards and local norms.
Session Plan
Plenary.
The trainer explains to the group that it is important to
distinguish flood response emergencies from other types of
emergencies; urban floods from rural floods; as well as
being aware of local contextual conditions. This session is
intended to raise awareness about the context and its
significance for the response.
Session Plan – UF1
5
WASH Cluster – Urban flooding
UF1
Plenary group discussion.
The trainer asks the group “How is urban flooding different
from rural flooding?”
Responses from the group are recorded by the trainer on
flip chart.
The trainer summarises the responses and adds any
additional comments (see slide notes).
Plenary.
Presentation by the trainer.
Plenary.
Presentation by the trainer.
Small group discussions and plenary feedback.
The trainer presents Case Study 1 – Floods in Gonaïves,
Haiti, 2008, and asks the group to consider:

What is the impact of the floods?

What challenges can you identify for the WASH
response?
The trainer clarifies the working group process:
Session Plan – UF1

Suggest groups of 3 or 4 depending on the group
size

Suggest 20 minutes for group discussion and 10
minutes for feedback to the plenary
5
WASH Cluster – Urban flooding
UF1

Distribute the handout

Ask participants to record their responses on flip
chart, selecting one person in each group to be the
rapporteur.
Plenary.
Presentation by the trainer.
Trainer refers back to examples highlighted in the case
study including those “stranded on their tin roofs” and those
in temporary shelters.
Plenary.
Presentation by the trainer.
Plenary.
Presentation by the trainer.
This could be adapted with local examples depending on
where the training is delivered.
Plenary.
Presentation by the trainer.
Session Plan – UF1
5
WASH Cluster – Urban flooding
UF1
Plenary.
Presentation by the trainer.
Copies of local and national government standards to be
presented where possible.
Plenary.
Trainer wraps up by presenting intended key learning points
and asks the group for any final questions or reflections on
the session.
Trainer advises the group they have a 15 minute tea /
coffee break before the next session ‘Rapid Emergency
WASH Assessment’.
Facilitator Guidance

Reed, B (2005) ‘Rehabilitating Water Treatment Works after an Emergency’, WHO
Technical Notes for Emergencies, No 6.

Smith, M (2009). Lessons learned in WASH Response during Urban Flood Emergencies.
A Global WASH Cluster Lessons Learned Paper.

Technical Briefing for Emergency Response - Urban Water Supply - Technical Briefing for
Emergency Response: Water Supply and treatment. Author: Dr. Andrea Helena Oess,
Care Series Editor: Louise Boughen, ACF-UK. Revised Version 15th September 2009.

Technical Briefing for Emergency Response - Urban Sanitation - Technical Briefing for
Emergency Response: Sanitation. Author: Tim Forster, Oxfam, Series Editor: Louise
Boughen, ACF-UK. Revised Version 15th September 2009.

Technical Briefing for Emergency Response - Hygiene Promotion - Technical Briefing for
Emergency Response: Hygiene Promotion. Authors: Souleymane Sow, Louise Boughen,
ACF, Series Editor: Louise Boughen, ACF-UK. Revised Version 15th September 2009.
Session Plan – UF1
5