Description:
The terms flood or flooding are often used in different ways. According to the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), <em>flooding is defined as the overflowing or failing of the normal confines of a river, stream, lake, canal, sea or accumulation of water as a result of heavy precipitation where drains are lacking or their discharge capacity is exceeded</em>. The occurrence of floods is the most frequent amongst all natural disasters. Although flooding is a serious hazard in humid regions, it can also be devastating in semiarid areas, where high rates of runoff following storms produce widespread flood damage down valley. These hazards involve tragic loss of life, damage to buildings and natural environments, and massive short-term disruption to the lives of the affected population. One-third of the annual natural disasters and economic losses, and more than half of the respective victims are flood-related.