New Orleans Flooding… Could it Happen Here?
August 30, 2005
Hurricane Katrina has devastated the southeastern United States, leaving thousands of people homeless and recovery costs in the billions of dollars. The major destruction in New Orleans is due to hurricane force winds of up to 225 km/hour causing waves to breach dykes surrounding the city. Richmond residents may be wondering if we are at risk of a similar disaster here, and what protection measures are in place to mitigate the potential damage.
According to the US National Hurricane Centre, hurricanes do occur in the Pacific but rarely ever reach the shore. This is for two reasons: First, hurricanes tend to move west northwest (WNW), meaning that on the west coast they travel offshore. Second, hurricanes develop from areas of low pressure over warm oceans. The Pacific Ocean temperature is too cool for a hurricane to generate enough energy as it moves north of the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, no Pacific hurricane has ever reached the California coast, although a few tropical storms have.
Due to our geographic situation, approximately one metre above sea level on a floodplain, the City of Richmond has taken several steps to protect people and property from potential flooding due to both severe weather and high river levels during spring freshet.
Severe weather: Richmond has an extensive drainage system comprised of 38 pump stations, 220 km of ditches and canals, 240 km of box culverts and storm sewers, and irrigation systems to aid in farming. The pump stations are designed for a 1 in 10 year rainstorm and are monitored remotely, 24 hours a day. Prior to anticipated rainstorms, storm boxes and canals are pumped down to provide extra capacity to hold surplus drainage water caused by the storm.
High tides or river flooding: Richmond’s dykes are constructed to a level which is two feet higher than the highest recorded water level in 1894. This provides protection for a 1 in 200 year flood event. Dykes are inspected and upgraded regularly, vegetation is removed, and river levels are monitored 24 hours a day at 4 locations. Richmond has undertaken several dyke studies, particularly to determine the potential impacts of an earthquake, and how to strengthen the dykes to mitigate the damage. Richmond’s dyke maintenance programs are in accordance with the guidelines established by the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection.
Occasionally, residents may experience localized flooding due to drainage problems on their property. To avoid this, the City recommends that residents keep storm grates, drain tiles and ditches clear of debris. For more information on what the city is doing and what residents can do to prepare, please visit our website at http://www.richmond.ca/emergency or call the emergency management office at (604) 233-3333.
For further information on weather and storms:
Environment Canada - http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/canada_e.html\
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - www.noaa.gov
On flooding and emergency preparedness:
Provincial Emergency Program - www.pep.bc.ca
To make a donation to assist the Hurricane victims:
American Red Cross - www.redcross.org
