Case Study: Flooding in Brisbane Australia

1) Describe the causes of the flooding. Consider both the natural and human causes of the flood. 

There are many causes of flooding, both natural and human related. It usually happens in coastal areas. The major cause of flooding in Australia is heavy rainfall. Other natural causes of flooding are hurricanes, storms and tsunamis. Human causes can be urbanization and mining. Another major reason for flooding can be pollution and infrastructure. There are several reasons for flooding either naturally or because of human activities.

2) Describe the social (impact on people), economic (money), environmental impacts of the floods. 

Social:
-loss of lives
-some people become homeless
-floods can cause people to get diseases and infections
-many people can be injured and many safety hazards
-Physiological impacts on people (losing family, harsh events they face)
-peoples homes are destroyed

Economic:
-Property damage which needs to be paid for
-Federal government needs to pay for rescue aid
-Price of food increases because of limited supply
-Firefighters, police officers, and other emergency apparatuses come at a heavy cost to people and the government.
-people in poverty, need income
-relief and recovery costs
-need money to rebuild the city

Environmental:
-forests destroyed
-chemicals and other hazardous substances end up in the water ( water contamination)
-animals killed and other insects are introduced to affected areas
-distorts the natural balance of the ecosystem
-damage to ecosystem/landscape
-waterways contaminated

3) How is the government of Queensland preparing for future potential floods? 

The government of Queensland is trying their best to prevent flooding by creating plans to overcome the heavy rainfall in Australia and they are also educating and keeping the public aware of what's happening and they are giving strategies to families for an event of a flood. One of the major causes is the overflow of drainage in heavily populated areas which becomes disastrous when there is heavy rainfall. Australians are able to seek help if needed, and they can get local flood maps so that they know where the flood prone areas are. Australians prepare for the flood by getting sturdy and strong framing for their homes and are now getting homes on a higher floor so that water doesn't seep in easily at a time of a flood. Many efforts are being made to teach and thoroughly prepare the public for an event of future floods in Queensland.