WASH Response to Urban Floods Session 1 Significance and Context to Urban Floods UF11 WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF

Brainstorm How is urban flooding different from rural flooding? 2 WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF FLOODsite UF1

Types of flood According to Duration - - Rapid onset floods - Slow onset floods - Seasonal flooding According to Location - - Coastal Flooding - Arroyos Flooding - River Flooding - Urban Flooding 3 WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF Source: FLOODsite UF1

Causes of urban flooding 4 Natural Causes - Heavy rainfall / flash floods -Lack of lakes -Silting Man Made Causes -Population pressure -Deforestation -Trespassing on water storm drains -Unplanned urbanization -Poor water and sewerage management WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF Source: FLOODsite UF1

Case Study 1: Floods in Gonaïves, Haiti, WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF What is the impact of the floods? What challenges can you identify for the WASH response? Source: UNICEF UF1

Categories of people who may be directly affected by urban floods 6 WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF Those who stay in their homes Those who stay with host families Those who relocate to official shelters Those who relocate to unofficial shelters Source: chinadaily.com.cn Source: REDR India UF1

“Women living in poor areas were most severely affected during the floods” Rashid et al. (2000) 7 WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF Source: UNICEF UF1

Perceived adverse impacts of floods in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Damaged property / house 2.Undesirable odours 3.Water-borne diseases 4.Contamination of water by sewage and waste 5.Mosquito infestation 6.Contamination of drinking water 7.Stagnant water in depressions 8.Growth of acquatic weeds Rashid et al. (2007) 8 WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF Source: FLOODsite? UF1

Challenges in responding to urban floods 9 WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF Access problems Coordination between local authorities, private suppliers, relief agencies Lack of community awareness about flooding Systems are often complex and require a high level of technical skills Risk of contamination – sewerage systems, pit latrines, industrial Source: UF1

10 WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF WASH standards of relief during urban floods Emergency Sphere Standards National and local Government standards and regulations Existing norms e.g. populations in urban areas may be used to and rely upon larger quantities of water for a variety of needs such as drinking, toilet flushing, bathing, household cleaning etc Ensure, the response fits into the global and national context – not responding in isolation UF1

11 WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF Key Learning Points There are three principle types of floods: rapid-onset, slow-onset and annual seasonal flooding The impact and health risks of urban floods set priorities for the WASH response It is important to consider the needs of different users, particularly people of vulnerable groups There are substantial challenges to overcome while responding to emergencies in urban flood settings Sphere and other sector standards should be adhered to where possible but also considering the local context including Government standards and local norms. UF1