Flashback Of Flood Damage In America
- By Osmund Aft
- Published 10/26/2008
- Home
- Unrated
Natural disasters such as tropical storms have caused severe flood damage in the US over the past few years. Such calamities have claimed the lives of thousands of Americans, caused loss and damage to properties and left thousands homeless.
As I read through the history of tropical storms that came across America and the extent of flood damage it has caused, I can say that lucky are they who have not experienced such a calamity. In 1969, Hurricane Camille lashed out at the states of Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. It was the "perfect storm" as Hurricane Camille clashed forces with cold northern storms causing heavy rains accumulating to as high as 31 inches in a matter of only 6 hours. Floodwaters erupted from the mountains and valleys causing widespread flood damage in the lowlands. The destruction of lands, properties and homes was devastating and estimated recovery cost shoots up to roughly $1 billion.
Who can forget Hurricane Katrina which also hit Louisiana and Mississippi in late August 2005. The City of New Orleans experienced the worst case of flood damage as 80% of the city was flooded with some parts under 15 feet of water. Residents had to be evacuated and those who remained in their homes had to swim for their lives. To date, the cost of reconstruction and repairs already reached a staggering $105 billion making it the costliest disaster in US history.
In May 1990, seasonal rains in Texas also led t
o massive flood damage covering an area of as far out as 200 miles along the Trinity River. Such calamity caused devastating losses in agriculture as 700,000 acres of farmlands in Louisiana were damaged.
Flood damage also occurs after a heavy winter is followed by extremely hot weather. Heat waves quickly melt the snow thereby causing flood . In 1982, Utah experienced heavy rains and snowfall. The hot season which also produced heat waves came soon after and quickly melted all the snow. As a result, floodwaters from the mountains went cascading down into Salt Lake City.
The event of a tsunami is one of the most feared causes of flood damage. The waves from the ocean floors that start off a tsunami are hard to detect even in the open sea. These giant waves eventually make it to shore with a devastating impact.
When natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and tsunami strike, you should stay alert and be aware of what is happening around you. Always listen to the radio/tv newscasts and weather forecasts. When heavy rains start and continue for a period of time, make sure you have stocks of food supplies, drinking water and other basic necessities. It is advisable to have a personal evacuation plan ready in the event of massive flooding.
If you live in the flood zone, it pays to be aware of the causes and effects of flood damage so that you can be amply prepared for such a disaster. The more informed people are, the higher the chances of survival. There is, however, no guarantee because in natural disasters, anything can happen.
As I read through the history of tropical storms that came across America and the extent of flood damage it has caused, I can say that lucky are they who have not experienced such a calamity. In 1969, Hurricane Camille lashed out at the states of Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. It was the "perfect storm" as Hurricane Camille clashed forces with cold northern storms causing heavy rains accumulating to as high as 31 inches in a matter of only 6 hours. Floodwaters erupted from the mountains and valleys causing widespread flood damage in the lowlands. The destruction of lands, properties and homes was devastating and estimated recovery cost shoots up to roughly $1 billion.
Who can forget Hurricane Katrina which also hit Louisiana and Mississippi in late August 2005. The City of New Orleans experienced the worst case of flood damage as 80% of the city was flooded with some parts under 15 feet of water. Residents had to be evacuated and those who remained in their homes had to swim for their lives. To date, the cost of reconstruction and repairs already reached a staggering $105 billion making it the costliest disaster in US history.
In May 1990, seasonal rains in Texas also led t
Flood damage also occurs after a heavy winter is followed by extremely hot weather. Heat waves quickly melt the snow thereby causing flood . In 1982, Utah experienced heavy rains and snowfall. The hot season which also produced heat waves came soon after and quickly melted all the snow. As a result, floodwaters from the mountains went cascading down into Salt Lake City.
The event of a tsunami is one of the most feared causes of flood damage. The waves from the ocean floors that start off a tsunami are hard to detect even in the open sea. These giant waves eventually make it to shore with a devastating impact.
When natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and tsunami strike, you should stay alert and be aware of what is happening around you. Always listen to the radio/tv newscasts and weather forecasts. When heavy rains start and continue for a period of time, make sure you have stocks of food supplies, drinking water and other basic necessities. It is advisable to have a personal evacuation plan ready in the event of massive flooding.
If you live in the flood zone, it pays to be aware of the causes and effects of flood damage so that you can be amply prepared for such a disaster. The more informed people are, the higher the chances of survival. There is, however, no guarantee because in natural disasters, anything can happen.
Osmund Aft
Osmund Aft is a disaster article writer for Dallas Flood Damage Cleanup and Miami Flood Damage Cleanup
View all articles by Osmund Aft