Floods are New Zealand’s number one hazard in terms of frequency, losses and declared civil defence emergencies.
Floods are New Zealand’s number one hazard.
What is a flood?
Floods can occur as a result of storms and heavy rain which cause rivers to overflow their banks. They can also be caused by high tides.
What damage can floods do?
Floodwaters can destroy the land, washing away roads, bridges, railway tracks and buildings. Crops can be ruined and livestock drowned.
Lives are also at risk, particularly in flash floods when the water has risen very quickly. Fast-flowing, deep water filled with debris like tree branches and sheets of iron can be very dangerous to people.
After a flood there can be a lot of damage and pollution to clean up. It may take months or years to recover.
Ready for a quiz?
What is a flood?
Floods can happen when storms and heavy rain cause rivers to overflow their banks. They can also be caused by high tides.
What damage can floods do?
Floodwaters can damage land, wash away roads, bridges, railway tracks and buildings. Crops can be ruined and livestock drowned.
Lives are also at risk when water has risen very quickly. Fast-flowing water filled with things like tree branches and sheets of iron can be very dangerous.
After a flood there can be a lot of damage and pollution to clean up. It may take months or years to recover.
Ready for a quiz?
Find out if there are flood prone areas near you.
Find out if there are flood prone areas near you.
