WASH Response to Urban Floods

Session 1Significance and Context to

Urban Floods

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WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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Brainstorm

How is urban flooding different from rural flooding?

2

WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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FLOODsite

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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

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WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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Source: FLOODsite

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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

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Source: FLOODsite

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Case Study 1: Floods in Gonaïves, Haiti, 2008

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WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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What is the impact of the floods?

What challenges can you identify for the WASH response?

Source: UNICEF

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Categories of people who may be directly affected by urban floods

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WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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• 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

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“Women living in poor areas

were most severely affected

during the floods”

Rashid et al. (2000)

7

WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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Source: UNICEF

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Perceived adverse impacts of floods inDhaka, Bangladesh, 20071. Damaged property / house2. Undesirable odours3. Water-borne diseases4. Contamination of water

by sewage and waste5. Mosquito infestation6. Contamination of drinking

water7. Stagnant water in

depressions8. Growth of acquatic weedsRashid et al. (2007)

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WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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Source: FLOODsite?

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Challenges in responding to urban floods

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WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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• 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: http://www.thewe.cc

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10

WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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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

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11

WASH Cluster – Emergency Training

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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.

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