Flood waters typically inundate farm land, making the land unworkable and preventing crops from being planted or harvested, which can lead to shortages of food both for humans and farm animals. Entire harvests for a country can be lost in extreme flood circumstances.

Among the most devastating effects of floods in the rural communities of the Amazon basin are increase of water and mosquito-borne diseases, loss of agricultural production, food shortages, destruction of human settlements and public infrastructure, power blackouts, pollution of drinking water sources, erosion of …

Loss of lives and property: Immediate impacts of flooding include loss of human life, damage to property, destruction of crops, loss of livestock, non-functioning of infrastructure facilities and deterioration of health condition owing to waterborne diseases.

The major cause of flood is heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of rivers and in the poorly drained areas. When the level of water rises above the river banks or dams, the water starts overflowing. The water overflows to the areas adjoining to the rivers, lakes or dams, causing floods or deluge.

Wait until it is safe to return. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local television and radio stations. Do not return to flooded areas until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

Are they safe to use? It’s tempting to fire up the washer and dryer after a storm if you have wet clothes, linens or other washables, but don’t do it. Water—even clean water—can damage the inner workings of the appliance, including the motor. Call a qualified service and repair expert to assess the damage.

Too much condensation can pool at the bottom of the fridge, and if the drain lines are clogged with bits of food, water can accumulate. Another cause of water damage and flooding from refrigerators is when the water supply line that feeds the ice machine gets disconnected.