Largest World Flood
Floods are natural disasters, usually caused by excessive precipitation, leading to severe consequences. It is believed that the most significant flood in the world occurred in 1931 in China, and its victims were more than 4 million people (Mann). The events were preceded by two years of severe drought and snowy winter in early 1931. In the spring, the Chinese Yangtze River began to fill with meltwater and rain (Mann). As a result, the rivers started to leave the banks by August, and the water level reached a record level. Flooding has shown that the danger is not only the flow of water itself but also the various infectious diseases that it can bring.
Record-Breaking Flood in the USA
Extreme weather conditions and increased humidity lead to flooding. The Mississippi River reached a record 49.58 feet in St. Louis in August 1993 (“The Great Flood”). During this flood, several records set by predatory floods were broken. The flood caused significant economic losses, harmed the crop, and brought other adverse consequences (“The Great Flood”). Setting a record is not controversial, but other floods that have brought more destruction are better known.
Georgia Flood, 2009
A flood that happened because of long rains broke many records in Georgia. Over the 24 hours of 20-21 September, about 21 inches of precipitation fell (“Atlanta Floods”). Flood levels broke previous records – together, about 28 new records were established, marked by record crests to avoid controversy (“Atlanta Floods”). For example, at Sweetwater Creek, the level rose 20 feet above the flood stage and 9 feet above the previous record (“Atlanta Floods”). The event led to human losses and significant economic consequences. The flood also affected weather forecasts and contributed to improving preventive measures (“Georgia Extreme”). After this event, the state is more prepared for weather disasters.
Works Cited
“Atlanta Floods 10th Anniversary. 2009.” National Weather Service, Web.
“Georgia Extreme Events.” Story Maps, 2021, Web.
Mann, Randi. “The 1931 China Flood is One of The Deadliest Disasters, True Death Toll Unknown.” The Weather Network, Web.
“The Great Flood of 1993.” National Weather Service, Web.