Urban Floods

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

It is the inundation of property in densely populated urban areas which overwhelms the capacity of drainage systems

Question 2

Reasons

Answer 2

1. Heavy rainfall/ cloud bursts
2. Cyclonic storms
3. Glacial lake outbursts
4. Concrete pavements that are impossible to allow seepage of water
5. Lack of embankments
6. Encroachment upon embankments
7. Solid waste that blocks drainage systems

Question 3

NDMA guidelines

Answer 3

1. Designates MOHUA as nodal ministry
2. Early warning systems and communications
   * Create a national hydro meterological network
   * Real time rainfall data collection
   * Divide cities/ towns based on watershed
3. Zoning of congested and flood prone areas and vulnerability assessment
4. Urban flooding cells
5. Design and management of Urban drainage system
   * Watershed and ward based inventory on ecisting storm water drainage system to be prepared
   * Pre monsoon desilting of all major drains
   * Every building in an urban area must have rainwater harvestin as an integral component
   * Concept of rain garderns to be incorporated in planning for public parks
   * Integrated planning and interactions between water and solid waste managment

Question 4

Urban flood disaster risk management -

Answer 4

1. Risk assessment to be carried out using multi hazard concept
2. Focus on three key areas - Risk assessment, Risk pooling, Risk transfer
3. Focus on both property and people
4. Identification of potential damage areas based on physical characterisitics, topography, capacity of the existing storm water drainage system
5. National urban information system to cover infra. facilities at community level integrated with socio economic data
6. Catchment to be the basis of design of stormwater drainage systems
7. Watershed to be the basis of all urban flooding disaster management actions
8. Stormwater drainage concern will be made a part of all EIA norms
9. Growth of urban sprawls to be made a part of urban flood management
10. Urban flood education, institutional and community capacity development, enhanced role of civil society, awareness.
11. Role of public representatives and role of media.

Question 5

During disaster -

Answer 5

1. Evacuation plan
2. FLood shelters
3. Search and rescue
4. Food and water supply
5. Sanitation
6. Major efforts directed towards flood hotspots
7. Emergency logistics
8. Relief camps
9. Use of inflatable boars and fibre boats for effective logistics
10. Medical preparedness and response
11. Involvement of corporate sector

Question 6

Post disaster - same as in floods

Answer 6

1. Financing organise, public awareness and education for early warning response
2. Identificaiton and disposal of dead bodies based on local/ religious/ ethnic requirements
3. Mock drills
4. Role of civil society
5. Best Practices
6. Building sponge cities