Group 5

Problems of Flooding
and Drainage in Urban
Areas

An Overview of Challenges and

Solutions
Flooding and Drainage
• Flooding: The overflow of water onto normally dry land,
often due to heavy rainfall or inadequate drainage.

• Drainage: The system or process of removing excess water

from an area to prevent accumulation and flooding.

Importance of Addressing These Issues in

Urban Areas
• Addressing flooding and
drainage issues in urban areas is
crucial to prevent property
damage, protect public health,
and ensure sustainable
development.
What is Urban Flooding?

Urban flooding occurs when excessive rainfall

overwhelms drainage systems, causing water
to inundate city streets and properties.

KEY STATISTICS AND

EXAMPLES

• Frequency: Major urban flooding events have increased by

20% over the past decade.

• Economic Impact: In 2023, urban flooding caused over

$10 billion in damages worldwide.

• Examples: The 2017 Houston flooding from Hurricane

Harvey displaced over 30,000 residents, and the 2021
European floods affected multiple cities, resulting in over
200 fatalities and extensive property damage.
 Natural Causes

• Heavy Rainfall: Excessive rain can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to
flooding.

• Storm Surges: High winds and low pressure from storms can push seawater into
coastal urban areas.

• Snowmelt: Rapid melting of snow can cause rivers and streams to overflow.

• Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: Intense storms bring heavy rains and strong winds,
contributing to flooding.

• Topography: Low-lying areas and natural land contours can exacerbate flooding in
urban regions.
 Human-Induced Causes

• Urbanization: Increased impermeable surfaces from buildings and roads reduce

natural water absorption and increase runoff.

• Inadequate Drainage Systems: Poorly designed or outdated drainage infrastructure

cannot handle heavy rainfall.

• Deforestation: Loss of vegetation decreases soil's ability to absorb water, increasing

runoff.

• Land Use Changes: Altering land use, such as paving over natural drainage areas,
disrupts natural water flow.

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns increase the
frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events.
Economic Impact

• Property Damage: Repairing or rebuilding damaged homes and

businesses can be extremely costly.

• Infrastructure Repair: Flooding often requires significant

investment to repair or upgrade roads, bridges, and utilities.

• Business Interruptions: Flooding can halt business operations,

leading to revenue loss and economic disruptions.

• Insurance Costs: Increased claims from flood damage can lead to

higher insurance premiums and reduced coverage availability.

• Cleanup and Recovery: The costs associated with cleanup,

recovery, and ongoing mitigation efforts can strain municipal
budgets and resources.
Social Impacts

• Displacement: Flooding can force residents to evacuate and

temporarily relocate, disrupting communities

• Health Risks: Increased exposure to waterborne diseases,

contaminated water, and hazardous conditions can pose serious
health risks.

• Economic Hardship: Families and individuals may face financial

difficulties due to property damage and loss of income.

• Psychological Stress: The trauma of experiencing floods and the

recovery process can lead to mental health issues, including stress
and anxiety

• Inequality: Vulnerable populations, such as low-income and

marginalized communities, often face disproportionately severe
impacts.
Environmental Impacts

• Habitat Destruction: Flooding can destroy or alter natural habitats,

affecting plant and animal species. In urban areas, this often means
the loss of green spaces and natural areas that provide habitat for
wildlife.

• Altered Water Flow: Urban flooding can change the natural flow
of rivers and streams, leading to altered ecosystems and potentially
increased flood risk downstream.

• Water Pollution: Floodwaters often carry contaminants like oil,

heavy metals, and chemicals from roads and industrial areas. This
pollution can enter rivers, lakes, and groundwater, harming aquatic
ecosystems and potentially affecting drinking water supplies.
 Multiple Choice: Move the sticker below the correct answer. Question No. 4

Four rivers have experienced

heavy rains in the past three days.
Which river recorded the slowest average
water flow?

Water flow rate (m³/s)

WHELTON ROSETON

River
FAIRHILL BELDEN
Overview of Urban Drainage Systems

Urban drainage systems manage water flow in cities to prevent flooding, protect
infrastructure, and maintain water quality. Key components include:

• Stormwater Drains: Collect and direct rainwater from streets into pipes or open
channels.

• Sanitary Sewers: Transport wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment

facilities.

• Green Infrastructure: Features like rain gardens and permeable pavements that
absorb and filter runoff.

• Retention and Detention Ponds: Manage water storage and slow release to
reduce flooding.

These systems must handle increased runoff due to urbanization and climate change,
requiring regular maintenance and updates to ensure effectiveness.
Types of Drainage Systems

Drainage systems include stormwater drains (for rainwater), sanitary

sewers (for wastewater), green infrastructure (for sustainable runoff
management), retention and detention ponds (for water storage),
subsurface drains (for groundwater management), and combined
systems (handling both stormwater and wastewater).

Importance of Effective Drainage Systems

Effective drainage systems are essential for preventing floods, protecting

water quality, preserving infrastructure, and safeguarding public health by
managing stormwater and wastewater efficiently. They help cities cope
with extreme weather and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and
property damage.
 Inadequate Infrastructure

Inadequate urban drainage infrastructure can lead to frequent flooding, poor water quality, and damage
to property and roads. It often results in overwhelmed systems during heavy rain, increased pollution,
and higher maintenance costs. This inefficiency compromises public health and urban resilience.

Blockages and Maintenance Issues

Blockages and maintenance issues in urban drainage systems can cause flooding,
overflows, and infrastructure damage. Common problems include clogged pipes
from debris or grease and neglected maintenance leading to reduced system
efficiency. Regular inspection and cleaning are essential to prevent these issues
and ensure proper drainage function.
Ineffective Design

Ineffective design in urban drainage systems can lead to frequent

flooding, inadequate stormwater management, and environmental
damage. Poorly designed systems might fail to handle heavy rainfall,
cause erosion, or allow pollutants to enter water bodies, compromising
public safety and infrastructure integrity.
Examples of Major Urban Flooding Events
The Philippines, being an archipelagic country with frequent typhoons and heavy rainfall, has
experienced several significant urban flooding events. Here are some notable examples:

• Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) - 2013: Known for its extreme intensity, Typhoon Haiyan struck
the central Philippines in November 2013. While the primary damage was from high winds
and storm surges, extensive flooding also occurred, particularly in Tacloban City and
surrounding areas. The disaster led to massive devastation, with extensive loss of life and
property damage.

• Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) - 2009: One of the most devastating flooding events in the
Philippines, Typhoon Ondoy struck in September 2009. The typhoon brought intense rainfall
to Metro Manila and nearby provinces, leading to severe flooding that inundated many areas.
The floodwaters reached as high as the second floors of buildings in some areas, causing
widespread damage and displacing thousands of residents.

These events illustrate the recurring challenges the Philippines faces with urban flooding, which
are compounded by typhoons, heavy rainfall, and often inadequate drainage infrastructure. Efforts
to improve flood management and preparedness are ongoing to mitigate the impacts of such
disasters.
Examples of Major Urban Flooding Events
• Iloilo City Flooding (Typhoon Agaton, 2022)Failure Analysis:
-Cause: Heavy rainfall from Typhoon Agaton led to the inundation of drainage systems, which
were not designed to handle such extreme weather events. Poorly maintained drainage channels
and clogged systems further exacerbated the situation.
-Impact: Flooding caused damage to residential and commercial properties, leading to economic
losses and health hazards due to stagnant water.
-Solution: Regular maintenance of drainage systems, increasing capacity, and incorporating
sustainable drainage practices are key. Implementing better urban planning and flood management
strategies can also mitigate future flooding.

• Metro Manila Flooding Failure Analysis:

-Cause: The rapid urbanization of Metro Manila has led to the proliferation of impermeable
surfaces such as roads and buildings, which significantly increase runoff. The drainage system,
designed decades ago, struggles to cope with modern flood volumes.
-Impact: Frequent and severe flooding in Metro Manila affects millions of residents, causing
damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Floodwaters often lead to health risks, economic
losses, and disruptions in daily life.
-Solution: Upgrading the drainage infrastructure, increasing capacity through improved design,
and incorporating green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavements are crucial.
Additionally, improving flood forecasting and management systems can help mitigate impacts.
Infrastructure Improvements

Infrastructure improvements in urban drainage focus on enhancing systems

to manage stormwater effectively and reduce flooding risks. Key strategies
include:
• Increasing Capacity: Expanding and modernizing drains to handle
larger volumes of water.
• Green Solutions: Implementing permeable surfaces and rain gardens to
absorb and manage runoff.
• Regular Maintenance: Performing routine inspections and cleanings to
prevent blockages.
• Flood Management: Using detention basins and retention ponds to
control and store excess water.
• Smart Monitoring: Installing sensors and early warning systems for
real-time flood management.
• System Retrofitting: Updating old infrastructure and adding overflow
channels to improve performance.
• Urban Planning: Designing new developments with drainage
considerations and enforcing flood-resistant zoning.
• Community Engagement: Educating residents and involving them in
drainage management efforts.
• Climate Adaptation: Planning and designing infrastructure to cope with
future climate changes.
These improvements aim to enhance resilience, reduce flood impacts, and
better manage stormwater in urban areas.
Urban Planning Measures

Urban planning measures for urban drainage involve integrating

drainage considerations into city design and development to
manage stormwater effectively and reduce flood risks. Key
measures include:
• Sustainable Design: Incorporating green infrastructure like
permeable pavements and rain gardens in new
developments.
• Flood-Resistant Zoning: Restricting construction in flood-
prone areas and promoting development in low-risk zones.
• Stormwater Management Plans: Creating comprehensive
plans that outline how stormwater will be managed
throughout the city.
• Retention and Detention Facilities: Designing and including
ponds or basins to temporarily store and control runoff.
These measures ensure that urban areas are better equipped to
handle stormwater, minimizing flooding and enhancing overall
resilience.
Policy and Community Involvement

Policy and community involvement in urban drainage focus on

creating supportive regulations and engaging residents to
manage stormwater effectively:
• Policy: Implementing regulations and guidelines that require
proper drainage systems in new developments, enforce
maintenance standards, and incentivize green infrastructure.
• Community Involvement: Educating residents about the
importance of proper waste disposal and encouraging
participation in local drainage improvement projects, such as
clean-up events and tree planting.
These efforts help ensure effective stormwater management,
enhance public awareness, and foster community responsibility
in maintaining urban drainage systems.
"Urban flooding is not
just a problem of water
management but of
planning, development,
and resilience."