Floods

A flood happens when water covers land that is normally dry. Heavy rain, melting snow, or overflowing rivers can all cause floods. Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the world. They can happen slowly over days or very quickly in a flash flood.

Types of Floods

River floods happen when rivers get too much water and overflow their banks. Flash floods happen suddenly after heavy rain and can be very dangerous. Coastal floods occur when storm surges push ocean water onto land. Floods can be just a few inches deep or many feet deep.

Living with Floods

People build levees and dams to help control flooding. Flood plains are flat areas near rivers that flood naturally. Some communities have early warning systems to alert people before floods arrive. In some places, buildings are raised on stilts to stay above flood waters.

Fun Facts

• Flash floods can produce walls of water up to 20 feet high.
• Just 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock a person off their feet.
• Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

Did You Know?

Some floods are actually good for the land! The ancient Egyptians depended on yearly floods of the Nile River to spread rich soil across their farmlands.