Flash floods are unexpected, extreme volumes of water that flow rapidly. They're often difficult to forecast and leave communities little time to escape.
In the aftermath of a flood, structural damage to buildings is common; in severe cases, structures could collapse or be swept away.
The primary cause of flood-related death is drowning, while injuries can range from cuts and bruises, to electric shocks.
As a flash flood takes hold, families are often forced to flee to high ground, with their drinking water contaminated and sanitation at risk. Later, the return home brings new challenges, with increased risk of diseases such as cholera or malaria.
Like floods, landslides/mudslides can cause slow, gradual damage, or more rapidly destroy buildings and endanger people’s lives.
Typically caused by natural events like heavy rain or volcanic eruptions, landslides often happen in the same place more than once.
Heavy rains or rapid snow-melting can lead to landslides, which also frequently occur in areas burned by forest and brush fires.
