Flood Risks

Flood losses have increased across all sectors, impacting more people and destroying
more property and contributing up to a third of all world natural disaster losses. This
apparent increase can be attributed to many factors, including the potential issues arising
from climatic change. This is compounded by increasing population, urban growth, the
development of exposed areas, etc.
How do flood occur?
There are many sources that contribute to flooding river flooding, sea surge, flash flood
and tsunami. River flooding is commonly seen as the main risk. However, water may
inundate at the facility by surface run-off, drainage/sewer back-up, etc. Flood can occur
outside the normal flood hazard maps areas. Extreme rainfall has caused widespread
flooding in many regions of India, year after year. Mumbai experienced worst flooding in
July 2005. Floods in north-western regions of India (eg. Rajasthan and north Gujarat) are
a clear indication that floods can affect areas which have not had any experience of
flooding for generations.
Consequences of flooding
The effects of flooding can have devastating consequences for organizations that are
committed to reducing their risk exposure to physical damage and business interruption.
Mitigation against flooding
1

Drainage System
Drainage system at site should be cleaned regularly, especially before the
monsoon season, to ensure that they are not clogged.

Raising of critical machinery foundations

Critical machinery located on a ground floor of a building susceptible to
flooding should be raised by raising the foundation of the machinery.

Basement storage to be avoided

Basements should not be used for storage of valuable goods or for critical
operations. It would be advisable to shift the goods to raised levels/upper
floors during the monsoon period. Critical utilities like transformers, boilers,
chilling plant, generating sets, etc if located in basement, should be re-located
to a safer place.

Provision of de-watering pumps

If the facility is in a low lying area, de-watering pump should be provided.
This pump should be driven by diesel or petrol (electrical pumps are not
recommended as de-watering pumps)

Collaborate with municipal authority

If the facility is located very near to the municipal drain or a minor river, it is
essential to collaborate with the municipal authorities in removing the debris
(silt, garbage, etc) from the drain/river before the monsoon approaches. Debris
accumulated over a period reduces the effective capacity of drainage system.
A combination of heavy rainfall and overloaded drainage system will result in
flooding.

General Precautions
i. Stocks, if required to be kept temporarily in open, should be stacked on
pallets by wrapping them in plastic sheets. The contents should be covered
by tarpaulin for preventing rain water damage.
ii. Monsoon protection shed should be provided for loading and unloading
points of the facility.
iii. An important feature of flooding is that there is often a warning prior to the
event, which gives an organization a chance to initiate response and
contingency plans. Actions taken before the flood has significant impact on
reducing business interruption. Access the flood situation during heavy
rainfall by listening to ratio, watching television and keep yourself updated
on the status on a continuous basis. This is especially important if your
facility is located close to a water body like lake, pond, river, canal, dam,
etc.
iv. Turn off electricity is water enters the premises.
v. Flood emergency kit should be maintained at site which should include
communication device, fire men axe, life jackets, medicines, torches, etc.
vi. Flood emergency response and contingency plans along with their
effectiveness should be reviewed on a regular basis