Case studies for flooding

Case studies

Flooding case studies for GCSE geography.

South Asia-LIC/LEDC

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This flooding was caused by the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers. It happened in July/August of 2007.It mainly affected India and Bangladesh.

Caption: : South Asia, with India + Bangladesh circled.

Causes

Heavy rainfall - in one area, 900mm of rain fell in July. This saturated the soil, which ended up increasing the runoff. Melting snow - glaciers from the Himalayan mountains melted, increasing discharge in the Brahmaputra river. The peak discharge of both rivers happened at the same time, which increased discharge downstream.

Primary effects

Over 2000 deaths Around 25 million people made homeless 44 schools were completely destroyed Many factories closed and many livestock were killed 120,000 houses destroyed in India 10,000km of roads were destroyed Rivers were polluted with rubbish and sewage

Secondary effects

Children lost out on education - over 4000 schools were affected by the floods. Around 100k people caught waterborne diseases such as dysentry and diarrhoea. Flooded fields reduced basmati rice yeilds - prices rose by 10% Many farmers and factory workers became unemployed.

Immediate response

Many people didn't evacuate from flooded areas, which blocked transport, which slowed down any attempted evacuations. Other governments and international charities distributed food, water and medical aid. Technical equipment like rescue boats were also sent to those who had been stranded.

Long-term effects

International charities funded the rebuilding of homes, agriculture and fishing industries. Some homes/buildings have been rebuilt on stilts, so they're less likely to be flooded in the future.

England -HIC/MEDC

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This case study happened in Carlisle, England, on the 8th of January, 2005. The river that caused the flooding was the Eden river.

Causes

Heavy rainfall - 200mm of rain fell in 36 hours. This saturated the soil, increasing the runoff. Land use - Carlisle is a large urban area, which means that it is covered in impermeable materials such as concrete and asphalt. This also increased the runoff. The river discharge reached 1520 cumecs (to put it into comparison, the average discharge for the Eden river is 52 cumecs.)

3 deaths 3000 people made homeless 4 schools were severely flooded 350 businesses closed down as a result of the flood 70,000 people lost electricity Roads and bridges were damaged The nearby rivers were polluted with rubbish and sewage

Primary effects

Secondary effects

Children lost out on education (one school was closed for months) Stress-related illnesses increased 3000 jobs at risk

Immediate response

Flooded areas were evacuated Many reception areas were opened and provided food and drink for those affected. Temporary accomodation was set up.

Long term responses

Community support offering emotional and practical help Flood defense schemes were set up - for example, banks were put up on the river Eden.