A flood is an overflow of water that submerges lands that are usually dry. Flooding may occur due to an overflow of water from water bodies, such as a river, lake, or ocean or it may occur due to an accumulation of rainwater in a certain area. In this article, we have shared some interesting facts about floods that everyone needs to know.
Floods can also be a huge destructive power, because when the rapidly moving flood water flows, it has the ability to demolish all kinds of large buildings and objects, such as bridges, structures, and houses. Here are 12 facts about floods that you should know.
1. Floods Are One Of The Most Destructive Natural Disasters
Floods are the most common of all weather-related natural disasters in the United States. Floods are also one of the most common and destructive natural disasters worldwide.
2. “Flood” Is Derived From “A Flowing Of Water”
The word “flood” is actually derived from an old English word that means “a flowing of water, river, or sea.”
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3. Almost All Counties In The US Have Experienced A Flood
Almost 98 percent of counties in the United States have been affected or impacted by flooding or have experienced a flood in the last two or three decades.
4. 6 Inches Of Fast-moving Flood Water Can Knock A Person Off Their Feet
One of the most useful facts about floods for kids is that just 6 inches of fast-moving or rapidly moving flood water has enough strength to knock a person down or to knock a person off their feet.
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5. Most Flood-related Deaths Occur In Vehicles
About 66 percent of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles and most of the deaths happen when drivers make the fatal mistake of trying to navigate through flood waters or trying to drive through water that is too deep.
6. Floods Are The Most Expensive Natural Disaster In Australia
In Australia, floods are considered to be the most expensive natural disaster or extreme weather event, which causes a large part of the economic damages around the country.
7. 2 Feet Of Moving Water Can Float A Large Vehicle
One foot of moving water will float many vehicles or can cause many vehicles to float away and only 2 feet of moving water can float the majority of vehicles or even a large vehicle such as a bus. Therefore, you should never drive through flooded roads.
8. All States In The US Have Experienced Floods In The Last 5 Years
All 50 states in the United States have experienced floods or flash floods in the past 5 years.
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9. Few Inches Of Flood Water Can Cause Huge Economic Damages
It only takes a few inches of water from a flood to cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
10. Flooding Has Caused The Deaths Of A Lot Of People
Since 1900, flooding has caused the deaths of more than 10,000 people in the United States.
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11. Flash Floods Do Occur Even In The Desert
Desert sands are not able to absorb or soak up water easily and quickly, so heavy rains can cause flash floods or can produce flood conditions very quickly. Because of that, flash floods do occur from time to time even in the dry climate of the desert.
12. Floods Cause A Lot Of Damage In The US
In the United States, floods cause approximately $7 billion to $7.5 billion in damage every year.
These are 12 interesting facts about floods that everyone should know.
FAQ: Interesting Facts About Floods
Many people are interested to know about this natural disaster, so they have lots of questions in their minds. Here we have given brief answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q1. Why Are Flash Floods Common In Desert Regions?
Ans: Desert sands are not able to absorb water easily and quickly, so heavy rains can cause flash floods very quickly. Because of that reason, flash floods do occur from time to time in the dry climate of the desert.
Q2. How Many Inches Of Water Can Knock You Off Your Feet?
Ans: Only 6 inches of fast-moving flood water has enough strength to knock you down or to knock you off your feet.
Q3. How Much Water Does It Take To Move A vehicle?
Ans: One foot of rapidly moving water will float many vehicles and just 2 feet of moving water can float most vehicles, even a large vehicle such as a bus.
Q4. What Is The Most Common Natural Disaster In The United States?
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