Floods

Abstract

Floods can occur in almost any river valley at almost any time. They are unpredictable. Flash floods and the sudden failure of dams and other structures offer the greatest threat to life; major sustained floods are most threatening to health. The average annual potential damage to property is esti mated at nearly a billion dollars. Even though floods are no worse or more fre quent than formerly, they are more costly as the flood plains increase in popula tion and economic development. The flood-control measures of the federal government are described; those completed or authorized will prevent about three fourths of the potential damage under present conditions of flood-plains use. The program is, however, still incomplete.—Ed.