Flash floods occur when low-lying areas are submerged due to heavy rain, hurricanes, or dam collapses. There is little warning, and structures can be completely destroyed. Early warning systems and escape routes are implemented to minimize loss of life.
Flash floods are episodes of flash flooding in which low-lying areas are completely submerged. In many cases, it occurs as a result of some type of natural phenomena such as heavy rain, hurricanes, or some type of tropical storm. However, flash flooding can also occur due to the collapse of a natural or man-made dam. There is usually very little warning that a given area will be inundated, making it somewhat difficult for people living in the affected area to determine whether or not to seek higher ground.
When this type of flood occurs due to natural phenomena, the process often begins with the saturation of the soil with precipitation such that it is unable to absorb all the water that has fallen in a short period of time. As the water will flow downhill, it will tend to collect in low-lying areas. If rain or other weather conditions do not abate, the water level will rise, completely covering the area. Any homes or other structures in the area are flooded and could suffer damage.
When flooding is caused by the collapse of a natural or man-made dam, there may be no warning notice to warn people to leave the area. Due to its rapid discharge, water has a tremendous ability to not only damage but completely destroy anything in its path. Whole cities have been destroyed as a dam collapses, leaving little behind the foundations of buildings and the rubble accumulated by upstream springs.
A flash flood that completely engulfs an area is sometimes referred to as a super-soaked flash flood. This type of flood activity is likely to completely cover entire structures; depending on the water current, the water in the flooded area may be relatively calm and begin to subside after the rain stops. If there is a strong current downstream, however, the flood can uproot trees and buildings and move them miles from their original locations.
In order to minimize the loss of life that can result from a flash flood, many communities have implemented some type of early warning system. In the event that there is a strong suspicion that heavy rains are flooding low-lying areas, people can be advised to leave the area until it is determined that it will not be prone to flooding. Alarm systems to alert people that a dam has collapsed are also common to many municipalities. It is not unusual for escape routes to be planned in advance, letting people know which roads to take and which direction to go in order to most efficiently escape the impending flood.
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