Known as ‘pluvial flooding’ (where rainfall overwhelms the drainage systems). Surface water flooding, after sudden and heavy rainfall, happens very quickly and the amount of rainfall exceeds the ability of the drainage system to take the excess water away.  When the rainfall reduces or stops, the drains generally manage to remove the excess water over a period of time. 

RISK IMPACTS and CONSEQUENCES

Flooding can cause significant damage to communities and the economy.

Environmental impacts include pollution, contamination of local environments, harm to livestock and wildlife and destruction of habitats. Disruption to power supplies and transport networks is a risk and in the most severe cases, floods can cause risk to life (people and animals).

The effects on mental health can last for a significant length of time.