The Problem of Natural Disasters

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Table of Contents

Introduction
California Flooding of 2022
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Natural disasters can have devastating effects on an area and its inhabitants, and unfortunately, the frequency of such events has been increasing in the past few years. One such event is the California flooding of 2022. This event resulted from an extended period of heavy rainfall combined with abnormally high temperatures that caused the Sierra Nevada snowpack to melt rapidly, leading to unprecedented flooding in the state. Therefore, this essay will discuss the causes of the California flooding of 2022, the extent of the damage, how the human race can prepare for such future events, and how the event has affected me personally.

California Flooding of 2022

The Natural Disaster Occurrence

California Flooding in 2022 occurred due to heavy rain and snow melt in the spring of 2022. That was coupled with a hot winter that caused an early snow melt in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. These conditions created excessive surface runoff that caused flooding in many areas of California. The flooding resulted from increased precipitation and warmer-than-normal temperatures, which caused the snow to melt faster than usual (Kreibich et al., 2022). Additionally, the soil in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains was saturated with water due to the earlier snowmelt. The extra water had nowhere to go when the heavy rains fell, leading to flooding. This flooding was further exacerbated by the lack of vegetation and soil stripped away by the fire season of 2020.

Flooding was a result of hydrologic processes, which are the study of the movement and distribution of water on Earth. The hydrologic cycle is a continuous process in which water evaporates from the surface of the Earth, condenses and forms clouds, and then falls back to the Earth as rain or snow (Kreibich et al., 2022). When this process is disrupted, it can lead to flooding. Additionally, climate change has caused the average global temperature to increase, which has caused more intense storms, leading to more flooding.

Extent of Damage

The flooding in California was devastating in its scope and severity. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2022), more than 500,000 individuals were affected by the flooding, with over 400,000 homes damaged or destroyed. Additionally, more than 2,000 businesses were affected, and an estimated $25 billion in damages occurred, making it one of the most expensive disasters in US history (FEMA. gov., 2022). In emergency response, there were more than 8,000 calls for help, with more than 80,000 evacuating their homes (FEMA. gov., 2022). Additionally, over 500 medical reports were filed due to the flooding (FEMA. gov., 2022).

Human Race Preparation for Such Future Events

In preparing for future floods, the human race must take action locally and globally. On the local level, governments can improve infrastructure in areas prone to flooding, such as building levees and dams. Additionally, building codes can be updated to ensure that new buildings are constructed with flood-resistant materials (Quesada-Román et al.,). On the global level, reducing carbon emissions is essential to slow the effects of climate change. That can be done by investing in renewable energy sources and encouraging individuals to make lifestyle changes that reduce their carbon footprint.

In addition to those measures, ensuring that the public is prepared to respond to flooding is essential. That includes educating the people on the importance of preparing for floods, such as stocking up on necessary supplies and having an evacuation plan (Quesada-Román et al., 2022). It is also vital to ensure that the required resources are in place to help those affected by the flooding, such as shelters, food, and medical services. Finally, ensuring that the recovery process is well-planned and organized is crucial (Quesada-Román et al.,). That includes establishing a recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken for rebuilding and restoring affected areas and providing assistance to those affected by the flooding.

Personal Effect of the Disaster

The California flooding in 2022 has had a devastating effect on both my family and me. After living in the Golden State most of my life, I have had a very personal and emotional connection to the area and its people. I remember the beauty of the rolling hills and the vibrant colors of the wildflowers that grew in the spring. Now, all that is gone replaced with a landscape of destruction and devastation. The effects of the flooding were far-reaching, and those of us living in California were hit the hardest. My family and I had to evacuate our home, leaving behind all our possessions and memories. We were lucky that we were able to find shelter with family members in another state, but the loss of our home still weighed heavily on our hearts. Nevertheless, through all of that, I have been able to find a silver lining. I learned the essence of taking care of our environment and the need to prepare for natural disasters. I have also appreciated the support and kindness of those willing to help during the disaster.

Conclusion

The California Flooding of 2022 resulted in significant destruction and hardship. Countless homes and businesses were destroyed, leaving many without a source of income. The economic impact was immense, resulting in billions of dollars in lost revenue. Furthermore, the response from the state government was substantial, providing emergency relief and financial support to those affected by the flooding. Though the damage was extensive, it could have been much worse if not for the prompt and comprehensive response from the state government. Therefore, the human race must be prepared for such events by understanding the risks and damages associated with the occasion and taking steps to mitigate and reduce them. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the public is prepared to respond to the event and that the necessary resources are in place to support the recovery process.

References

FEMA. gov. (2022). California Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides DR-4683-CA. Web.

Kreibich, H., Van Loon, A. F., Schröter, K., Ward, P. J., Mazzoleni, M., Sairam, N.,… & Di Baldassarre, G. (2022). The challenge of unprecedented floods and droughts in risk management. Nature, 608(7921), 80-86. Web.

Quesada-Román, A., Ballesteros-Cánovas, J. A., Granados-Bolaños, S., Birkel, C., & Stoffel, M. (2022). Improving regional flood risk assessment using flood frequency and dendrogeomorphic analyses in mountain catchments impacted by tropical cyclones. Geomorphology, 396, 108000. Web.

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