The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.

       Frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing due to numerous factors. Urban areas receive more average rainfall in comparison to rural counterparts especially because of the presence of excess particulate matter(vehicular aerosols and pollution). They act as condensation nuclei and increase the amount of rainfall. Moreover, the increased built up area absorbs more incoming solar radiation and creates an urban heat island. Under the right set of conditions, this too abets the increase of rainfall. Also, extreme weather events induced by climate change have become frequent.

Major reasons for urban floods  are,

• Destruction and Encroachment of water bodies. Land reclamation projects and land use policy have been tilted towards profiteering and commercialization at the expense of environmental balance.
• Increased run off of rain water and decreased percolation owing to increased concretization. Limited exposure of earth’s surface to absorb rain water.
• Clogging of drains by littering and waste dumping. These along with silt block water from being drained away.
• Poor urban planning and wanton disregard of flood preventive precautions and environmental concerns has added to the burden.

Mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk are,

• Decentralized Urban Planning taking into consideration the local ecology.
• Mapping of water bodies and monitoring their health.
• Educating and creating awareness to the public as well as the bureaucracy about the ecological value of water bodies. The mindset to view such area as waste land which could be developed has been detrimental.
• Desilting of water bodies and drains should be done during the dry season to improve storage capacity.
• Unclogging of drainage system and prevent littering to facilitate smooth drain of water.
• Regulating and prohibiting the use of plastic and polythene especially around water bodies.