The Planning System and Flood Risk Management - Offaly County ...

2.8 The impact on people and communities as a result of the stress and traumaof being flooded, or even of being under the threat of flooding, can be immense.Long-term impacts can arise due to chronic illnesses and the stress associatedwith being flooded and the lengthy recovery process. Floodwater contaminatedby sewage or other pollutants (e.g. chemicals stored in garages or commercialproperties) is particularly likely to cause such illnesses, either directly as aresult of contact with the polluted floodwater or indirectly as a result ofsediments left behind. Those most likely to be at risk are those outdoors onfoot or in a vehicle, in a tent or caravan, or in a building, such as a singlestoreybungalow or below ground in a basement.2.9 The ability of people to respond and recover from a flood can vary. Vulnerablepeople, such as those who are old, disabled or have a long-term illness, areless able to cope with floods than others and are more prone to death or seriousinjury. Others may have difficulty in replacing household items damaged ina flood and may lack the financial means to recover and maintain acceptableliving conditions after a flood. Understanding the social consequences offlooding is fundamental to the appraisal of risk and appropriate mitigationmeasures. As such, there is increasing interest in a more community-centredapproach to flood risk management that recognises the particular circumstancesof community and social groups. This type of approach will be crucial to thedevelopment of more socially and environmentally responsive and sustainableflood management.2.10 Impacts on property and the environment - Flooding can cause severe damageto properties. Floodwater is likely to damage internal finishes, contents andelectrical and other services and possibly cause structural damage. The physicaleffects can have significant long-term impacts, with re-occupation sometimesnot being possible for over a year. The costs of flooding are increasing, partlydue to increasing amounts of electrical and other equipment withindevelopments. Sea-water flooding may cause additional damage due tocorrosion.2.11 The damage flooding can cause to businesses and infrastructure, such astransport or utilities like electricity and water supply, can have significantdetrimental impacts on local and regional economies. The long-term closureof businesses, for example, can lead to job losses and other economic impacts.2.12 Impacts on the environment - Significant detrimental environmental effectsof flooding can include soil erosion, bank erosion, land sliding and damageto vegetation as well as the impacts on water quality, habitats and flora andfauna caused by bacteria and other pollutants carried by flood water. Floodingcan however play a beneficial role in natural habitats. Many wetland habitatsare dependant on annual flooding for their sustainability and can contributeto the storage of flood waters to reduce flood risk elsewhere.9Planning Guidelines