LIVING WITH FLOODS

IIHR International Perspectives Course 2010

The big picture

the goodrejuvenation of soilreconnection to the floodplainrecharge of alluvial aquifers

the badbillions of dollars in flood controlevacuations and lost livesdestroyed crops and capital

the uglyhomes and businesses filled with sediment

Living as controlling floods viewed as dangerous

to people and hampering to growth

flood plains are economic centers damaged by water

examples: the Netherlands

○ average elevation of 11 feet above sea level

○ highest GDP per sq km in Europe

the United Kingdom○ 10 percent of population within

100-yr flood plain

transformed landscape

Tidal Flooding

•United Kingdom (UK)• cut-off estuaries• Thames River barrier

•Netherlands• Delta Works• separated sea from

estuaries• tidal influences allowed

in select locations

Seasonal FloodingChinese (China)

•Yangtze and Yellow Rivers•disconnect Yangzte floodplain from river to

encourage settlement•gained national unification•lost meander and changed geomorphology•raised, channelized rivers have caused

flooding•1998: 4150 deaths on Yangtze•2006: Three Gorges Dam completed•2010: 117 million chinese affected by

flooding with approximately 1000 missing or

dead•Egyptians (Ancient Egypt)

•accepted flooding•recorded seasonal peaks•used fertile sediment for agriculture

•Dutch (Netherlands)•major floods first recorded in 838 AD•successive floods in 1014, 1134, 1404,

1421, 1530, 1570, 1595, 1686, 1717, 1912,

and 1953.•20th century floods inspired control

structures•British (UK)

•annually flooding along many waterways•temporary and permanent barriers

Living as Coexisting current issues with overcrowding

in areas intended as flood plains Room for Rivers change from “battle against water”

to “living with water” rezoning to parks flood friendly construction

pedestals floating open bottom levels

UK strategy limit redevelopment eliminate new development set aside specific water storage

areas risk assessment widespread insurance warning systems

http://www.cabinzoom.com/2009/01/lake-huron-floating-house/

Living as Responding most important in flash

flooding response saves lives Albert Pike Campground in

Arkansas vital components

forecasting broadcasting coordination

UK River Severn temporary

structures portable and floatable

barriers