FLOODSFLOODS

Introduction Introduction

The risks areas in Spain The risks areas in Spain are:are:

In Basin North, there are 300 controversial points, mostly in

País Vasco

In the Mediterranean coast area mainly on the Jucar’s river banks and multiple points of Almeria and Granada provinces and the Eastern Pyrenees. There is a total of 245 hazardous locations

What are the causes and What are the causes and those who cause them?those who cause them?

Excessive precipitationExcessive precipitation

The rain storms are the The rain storms are the main source of main source of avenues. When the avenues. When the ground can’t absorb ground can’t absorb any water that falls any water that falls this slips over the this slips over the surface (runoff) and surface (runoff) and raises the level of raises the level of rivers.rivers.

Melting snowMelting snow

The spring melts The spring melts the snow the snow accumulated in accumulated in winter in the winter in the high mountain high mountain areas. If at the areas. If at the same time it same time it rains, floods rains, floods may occur.may occur.

When a dam breaks:When a dam breaks:

All the water All the water stored in the stored in the reservoir is reservoir is suddenly suddenly released and released and form large and form large and very very dangerous dangerous floodsfloods

Human Activit iesHuman Activit ies

Effects of the floods are exacerbated by some of human activities. The main are:

Asphalt surfaces waterproof the soil, which prevents water from being absorbed by the Earth.

Cutting of forests and crops nake the ground of its vegetative cover and facilitate erosion.

The effects of a f lood:The effects of a f lood:

The last decade of f looding The last decade of f looding with people’s deathswith people’s deaths

YEAR MONTH PROVINCE Nº VICTIMS

1994 OCTOBER BARCELONA 7

1995 JULY GUADALAJARA (YEBRA ALMOGUERA) 9

1996 AUGUST HUESCA (BARRANCO DE ARAS) 87

1997 SEPTEMBER ALICANTE 5

1997 NOVEMBER BADAJOZ 5

2000 JUNE BARCELONA-TARRAGONA 3

Measures to takeMeasures to take

The floods occur as a result of heavy rain in different regions The floods occur as a result of heavy rain in different regions of the country. Some of them develop for several days, others, of the country. Some of them develop for several days, others, in a few minutes. Heavy rains may cause three perils: floods, in a few minutes. Heavy rains may cause three perils: floods, torrents and landslides.torrents and landslides.

If you live in a low area and flat, close to a river, sea or water If you live in a low area and flat, close to a river, sea or water below a dam, you must be prepared to face possible flooding. below a dam, you must be prepared to face possible flooding. Also, if you live in ravines or close the channels of the rivers, Also, if you live in ravines or close the channels of the rivers, care is needed with water overflows its natural channel care is needed with water overflows its natural channel generating draggable stones, mud, tree trunks and other generating draggable stones, mud, tree trunks and other debris.debris.

The third danger is caused by softening of the soils which The third danger is caused by softening of the soils which facilitates the release of a land mass.facilitates the release of a land mass.

Except the untimely floods, others generally have a process Except the untimely floods, others generally have a process that makes it possible to take measures to avoid or minimize that makes it possible to take measures to avoid or minimize the damage.the damage.

How to prepare in advance:How to prepare in advance:

Don’t build in areas likely to be affected by Don’t build in areas likely to be affected by flooding, rivers overflow, even if they are flooding, rivers overflow, even if they are dry.dry.

If you live in areas where there have already If you live in areas where there have already been flooding: Develop faster exit routes been flooding: Develop faster exit routes from your home.from your home.

Rainy season:Rainy season:

Pay attention to alarms or emergency Pay attention to alarms or emergency signal.signal.

Pack your personal documents in plastic Pack your personal documents in plastic bags.bags.

Have a portable radio, battery lamps and a Have a portable radio, battery lamps and a first aid kit.first aid kit.

In case of f looding:In case of f looding:

Not crossing rivers, bridges or avenues.Not crossing rivers, bridges or avenues. Don’t take your vehicle.Don’t take your vehicle. Move away from places that could be shot Move away from places that could be shot

down.down. Make sure to keep calm.Make sure to keep calm. Disconnect the light, gas and water Disconnect the light, gas and water

services.services.

At the end of a f looding:At the end of a f looding:

Back home once you have been Back home once you have been authoritated.authoritated.

Drink just potable water.Drink just potable water. Use the movile in case of emergency.Use the movile in case of emergency. Avoid touching electrical wires.Avoid touching electrical wires. Collaborate with the authorities.Collaborate with the authorities.

THE ENDTHE END

Carlos Terrero Guillamón2º Bachillerato BilingüeI. E. S. Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer