WASH Response to Urban Floods

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

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

WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF 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 Source: FLOODsite UF1

WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF Causes of urban flooding • 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 Source: FLOODsite UF1

WASH Cluster – Emergency Training UF Case Study 1: Floods in Gonaïves, Haiti, 2008 What is the impact of the floods? What challenges can you identify for the WASH response? Source: UNICEF UF1

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

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

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

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 Challenges in responding to urban floods Source: http://www.thewe.cc UF1

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

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

WASH Response to Urban Floods