Floods

Worldwide evidence suggests the number of people suffering the effects of floods is rising at an alarming rate. Floods are responsible for over one third of people affected by natural disasters, an average of 106 million people per year between 2000 and 2005. Ninety percent live in Asia.

The problem can originate from various sources, including:

• intense and prolonged rainfall, melted snow
• river channels blocked by landslides/avalanches
• failure of dams
• storm surges, very high tides and tidal waves 

Flooding can be predicted by investing in preparation plans, flood plain policy development and watershed management.

Example of FAO response to floods

Flooding and storms in Haiti in 2004/05 caused large losses to the agriculture sector, namely crops, seeds and livestock; irrigation systems and other infrastructure were damaged. FAO provided immediate assistance to the most vulnerable communities, through essential seeds and tools as well as small livestock such as goats and chickens. Small-scale irrigation systems were also rebuilt.