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Know the risk before you go
Many destinations experience seasonal flooding. Especially those that experience monsoons or have a wet season.
Types of flooding include:
- flash floods, from heavy rains, overflowing/burst dams or rapidly melting snow.
- river floods, often from seasonal/monsoon rains.
- coastal floods, from tsunamis, storm surges and severe weather such as cyclones.
Floods can happen over time or with little warning. They can cause severe property damage and isolate areas for long periods.
People die from drowning, often because they don't evacuate before the flood arrives or try to cross flood waters on foot or in a car.
Flash flooding
Flash floods can be sudden and violent. You may have little time to react.
Local authorities often have a warning system in countries with a flash flood risk. Before you travel, find out if there is an alert service you can sign up to.
Where and when floods can happen
Flooding is typically linked to seasonal weather events, often in warmer months. It's more common in countries that have:
- monsoonal rains
- cyclones
- large snow melts.
Regions most likely to have flooding are:
- North and Central America
- Asia
- Central Europe
- North Africa
Before you go, read our travel advice for where you're going. If flooding is common there, we mention it under the 'Extreme weather and natural disasters' heading. Research where to find out if there are seasonal events you should be aware of.
What to do if there's a flood
Read our advice about what to do if there's a natural disaster. Follow that advice, as well as the following.
If there's a flash flood warning
If there's a flash flood evacuation warning or you see water rising rapidly, act immediately.
- If you're outside, get out of low-lying areas and areas with streams. Stay away from bridges.
- If you're inside, move to the highest point in the building you can. Don't climb into closed off areas. You may be trapped by rising water. Only climb onto the roof as a last resort.
- If you're trapped in your car, stay inside and call for help. If water is leaking in, get on the roof. Don't try and leave the car.
Before the flood
If local authorities warn that a flood is possible and you have time, consider leaving. Talk to your airline or travel provider.
Talk to your hotel manager, tour guide or local authorities. Listen to the radio, follow official channels on social media and watch the news on TV or online.
Be informed
- Find out what areas are going to be affected.
- Find out how bad the flooding is expected to be and how long it will last.
- Find out if there's an evacuation shelter nearby. Evacuate early. Plan your route to avoid waterways. Crossing flood waters is dangerous.
Be prepared
- Prepare your emergency supply kit and keep it close.
- Charge your devices and battery packs.
- Get extra water bottles. You'll need clean drinking water. Water-borne infectious diseases are common during and after a flood.
- Move to higher ground. Don't try to shelter in place if you have time to move somewhere safer.
During the flood
- Don't walk, swim or drive through flood waters. The currents can be strong and dangerous. As little as 30cm of water can sweep a car away. Muddy waters can hide large hazards.
- Don't cross bridges over fast-moving floodwaters. Fast-moving water can wash a bridge away without warning. The flood may also have damaged bridge supports.
- Stay informed. Listen to local news. If possible, keep a battery-powered radio. If you have internet, follow online news from official reporting services.
After the flood
- Stay safe. Only leave your shelter or return to evacuated areas when authorities say it's safe.
- Check for hazards. Stay clear of damaged buildings and structures. Turn off electronics.
- Don't wade in flood waters. They may be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Damaged powerlines may also electrically charge the water.
- Check supplies. Especially clean water. Don't eat food or drink water that was exposed to flood waters.
- Stay informed. Continue to listen to weather updates and follow all advice from the emergency services.
- Stay in contact. Contact family and friends to let them know you're safe if you can.
Find out who to contact if you need help.