Understanding Floods

What is a flood?

Circle the statement that is true:

• Floods are rare in New Zealand and when they do hit, they tend to do little damage.

• Floods are the most frequent and costly disasters to impact New Zealand.

• Floods are frequent in New Zealand but have little impact on the economy.

What are two factors that may make a flood dangerous?

Match these flood types to the correct questions or statements below:

What are the closest bodies of water in your area (rivers, lakes or coasts) that may be at risk of flooding during heavy rain fall or storms?

Look at the image on the first page. What are three things that might be directly impacted by the flood?

Name three negative impacts that can result from a flood.

Research a significant flood that has happened in New Zealand and write a paragraph about it.

Which of the following statements about flood preparedness in New Zealand is correct?

• Most New Zealanders are unaware of flood risks in their area.

• Flood preparedness is only necessary in rural areas of New Zealand.

• New Zealand has comprehensive flood preparedness programs in place.

Identify the statement that accurately reflects the impact of climate change on flooding in New Zealand:

• Climate change has no effect on flooding patterns in New Zealand.

• Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of floods in New Zealand.

• Flooding in New Zealand is solely caused by natural weather patterns, not climate change.