IMPACT OF FLOODS

Impact of Floods



Abstract

In this study a slight background of North Dakota is discussed and the impact of floods is mentioned in general and specific perspective with regards to North Dakota. What special programs, plans are made and implemented so far. As a whole, economic and other factors are given a detailed overview causing a major impact on the county after flooding.

Impact of floods in North Dakota

North Dakota

North Dakota is located in the Midwestern region of USA, adjacent to the Canadian border. It is the 19th largest state area wise and is populated with 672,591 people till 2010. North Dakota was separated from Dakota Territory in 1889 along with South Dakota. North Dakota capital state is Bismarck and Fargo is the largest city(Scott 1977).

The major industries are agriculture, petroleum and food processing. By September, 2010 the unemployment rate was 3.7%. Energy industry contributes the most to the economy. 90% electricity generated by coal reserves in West North Dakota is also exported to adjacent states. In U.S North Dakota has the second largest lignite coal production.

In the flood of 2010 the Red River crested at 36.99 feet. The river's crest was 1 foot below prediction and 4 feet below last year's last record. The roads and agricultural fields were heavily flooded. The failure of Red river in absorbing water caused flooding in the area.

Flood

Flood is excess water flow that submerges land. It is a temporary water flow covering the land. It can cause due to increase in the volume of water. They can also occur in rivers exceeding the river channel. Loss of homes, businesses, lives, livestock and agriculture is usually faced by floods. Extreme floods can cause a major impact on social and economic factors.

The losses caused by floods are divided into direct and indirect losses. Direct losses are difficult to measure and it is even more difficult to estimate indirect losses. Direct events are the number of business and homes destroyed. Indirect costs include relocation from the area as a result of the flood, tax losses and what are the costs of outbreaks of waterborne diseases(Hamel 2011).

When the flood arrived the county suffered $1 billion damage. 8,000 houses were damaged and 750 houses were lost. Many businesses suffered great amount of loss. All the institutions were closed. The damage was so huge in terms of buildings burnt and water damages that either the Grand Forks has to be abandoned or repaired. More than 80% of the city was flooded and citizens were evacuated.

The 2011 data shows the total effect on commerce activity in the area from both direct and indirect losses is expected at $194,419,000. The main losses are $57.6 million to the crop segment, $50.9million to the households segment (personal income), and $42.9 million to the retail trade segment. The remainder of the $194.4 million loss is circulated among some other sectors of the economy.

This loss of commerce activity eventually is reflected in lost jobs in the ...