Case Study: flooding in Brisbane

1) Flooding is caused by many different reasons, both natural and human related. It usually takes place in coastal locations. Some natural causes of flooding are hurricanes, storms and tsunamis. However the major cause of flooding in Australia is heavy rainfall. Human causes to flooding can be urbanization and mining. Another major reason for flooding can be pollution and infrastructure. There can be various reasons for flooding either naturally or due to human influence however they all can cause different levels of destruction to environments depending on the size and capacity of the flood.

2) I. Economic Impacts:
- Damage to properties
- Cost of rescue aid by Federal Government
- Price of food increases due to limited supply
-Firefighters, police officers, and other emergency apparatuses come at a heavy cost to people and the government.
- Relief and recovery costs
- Reparation to the city

II. Social Impacts:
- People killed
- Loss of homes
- Spread of disease and infections
- Physiological impacts on people (trauma, loss etc.)

 

III.Environmental Impacts:

- Destroyed plant life

- Water contamination

- Animals killed due to drowning

- Balance of ecosystem disrupted

- Damage to environment/landscape

3) The city of Brisbane is built directly on top of a floodplain, so completely preventing future flooding is impossible. However, the city council of Queensland has created a flood-smart future strategy of six strategic outcomes to protect and better prepare their city and its populants for future floods. The six strategic outcomes consist of a risk based approach to flood management, an integrated and adaptive approach, smart planning and building, an educated and resilient community, world class response and recovery and lastly well maintained and improved structural assets. By educating their city about flooding and how to flood proof their homes and community by working together it'll create a stronger bond within the community and better preparation so that when the next flood may come they will be ready, and much less loss and destruction will occur.