India (03:07)

FREE PREVIEW

More deaths are caused by floods than other disasters; Bangladesh is flanked by rivers and plagued by monsoon seasons. In 1979, the Morbi Dam collapsed; a water wall demolished the town, killing 15,000. In 2005, the Kosi River bank burst, diverting water to Bihar; it killed 2,000 people and damaged many villages.

China (03:49)

In 1931, the Yangtze, Yellow, and Huai Rivers all breached their banks. An estimated four million died from drowning, disease, or resulting famines. In 1994, authorities started construction on a dam near Hubei; its failure would result in bigger catastrophe than prior events.

Classifications: Riverine (03:37)

Floods are created when water overwhelms the landscape; many are created by river bank failure. In 1937, hundreds of miles of Ohio were submerged; 385 died, and one million were left homeless. In 2007, several waterways in Britain flooded; one million were impacted and three billion pounds in damages were reported.

Classifications: Estuary and Coastal (03:42)

Estuary floods are created when water comes in from river and coastal tides; levels are increased by storms and high waters. In 1962, North Sea surges deluged Germany's coast, killing 300. In 2004, an earthquake triggered an Indian Ocean tsunami, killing 225,000; Hurricane Katrina killed 2,000 Louisiana residents in 2005.

Classifications: Catastrophic and Flash (04:13)

Catastrophic floods are created by unexpected events; in 1959, the Malpasset Dam collapsed, killing 400 people and destroying two villages. In 1952, a high moor was overwhelmed by massive rainfall, deluging Lynmouth and demolishing buildings with boulders and uprooted trees.

North Sea Flood (06:01)

In 1953, a massive storm off Britain combined with high tides to create the country’s worst natural disaster of the 20th century; 307 died, 30,000 were evacuated, and 24,000 buildings were damaged. In the Netherlands waves overwhelmed dykes; 70,000 evacuated, and 1,836 died. Both countries made improvements to defenses and warning systems.

Japan (02:33)

In 1959, Nagoya was pummeled by waves driven by Typhoon Vera. Thirty foot water walls destroyed the coast, demolishing transportations systems and leaving one million homeless.

Italy (03:35)

Arno River ruptured its banks in 1966, flooding Florence; artwork, books, and ancient antiques were destroyed. Venice experienced its worst deluge in 1,000 years when the Pellestrina dyke burst; two days of heavy rains, high tides, and storms impacted one third of the country.

Hurricane Agnes (02:52)

In 1972, the south eastern United States was impacted by a massive storm; President Richard Nixon declared two thirds of Georgia a disaster area. Six days of high winds and unrelenting rainfall created the greatest flood emergency in North American history; 200,000 evacuated, and three billion in damages were reported.

Poland (02:17)

Oder River burst through its banks after heavy summer rains in 1997; 55 died and 200 bridges were wiped out. Authorities requested international aid, triggering a huge rescue effort; damages took 10 years to repair.

Protective Systems (07:42)

In Britain, five million people live in flood zones; the Environmental Agency broadcasts warnings, and the Thames barrier prevents estuary deluges. Half of the Netherlands is below sea level; Delta Works provides extensive defenses. In Italy the MOSE raises when sea levels rise.

Credits: Torrents Of Terror (00:29)

Credits: Torrents Of Terror