What are the consequences of flooding?

Flooding can have a major impact, such as damage to buildings and infrastructure. In some cases, local residents may even be killed or injured. Exceptional floods can result in major societal crises. The impact of flooding is determined by flood depth, the rate at which an area is inundated, options for evacuation, economic value, and the number of residents. Climate change is both adding to the probability of flooding and raising water levels. The latter may exacerbate the impact of flooding. Spatial developments may also affect the impact. For example, flooding may have a more severe impact if the population in an area has grown or if its economic value has risen.

How will flooding impact different sectors?

The impact of flooding can differ from one sector to the next. The National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) The Sea Level is Rising (pdf, 244 kB) conceptual diagram provides an overview of the consequences of sea level rise and higher water levels for the different sectors. Use the NAS Adaptation Tool to make your own conceptual diagram. Some examples of the impact of flooding:

• Flooding may cause damage to buildings and homes. Water can, for example, flow into a building.
• Vital functions may be damaged and fail when flooded. For example, when drinking water locations are flooded, the drinking water supply will fail. Power grids and telecom grids may fail, idling a wide range of functions. Natural gas supply may also be idled in a flooding situation. Draining may take months and restorations can only start once the water is gone. For some grids, restoration can also take months.
• At a location at which oil and other hazardous materials are processed and stored, flooding may cause serious damage and pollution in the surrounding area.
• Flooding of farmland may cause major damage to crops.
• Flooding can impact human health. Following an evacuation, people may suffer from mental issues. In addition, flooding of key access roads may render hospitals inaccessible.