Natural disasters such as floods can occur suddenly and the impact can be severe, causing loss of life, damage to property and infrastructure, displacement of communities, and disruption of essential services such as transportation, communication, and utilities.

Preventing and mitigation the impacts of floods often involves a combination of structural measures, non-structural measures, and preparedness and response efforts. One of the challenges encountered in the recent floods havoc was most home owners not done due diligence to check on the design factors that would have been put in place to reduce the damage brought by the floods.

Climate change and urbanization are contributing to the increased frequency and severity of floods in many regions, highlighting the importance of comprehensive flood risk management strategies that integrate both structural and non-structural measures to build resilience and adopt to changing environmental conditions.

Designing a house to withstand floods requires careful consideration of various factors, including site selection, building materials, elevation, and flood resistant design strategies. Here are some key steps to ensure a house survives floods in the architectural field:

1. Site selection: Buy and build in a site that is located in a low flood risk area if possible. Additionally avoid building in floodplains, coastal areas prone to storm surges, or near rivers, streams, or other water bodies.
2. Elevation: Elevate the house above the base flood elevation (BFE) determined by flood risk maps or local building codes. Consider raising the house on stilts, piers, or a raised foundation to minimize flood damage to the structure.
3. Building materials: The least of all things would be to use flood-resistant materials for construction, such as concrete, reinforced masonry, and pressure-treated wood that can withstand exposure to water without significant damage. Avoiding materials that are prone to water damage, such as untreated wood, drywall, and carpeting in flood-prone areas.
4. Flood-Resistant Design Strategies: Design the layout of the house with flood protection in mind, such as placing critical utilities and mechanical systems above flood levels. Install flood openings or vents in foundation walls to allow water to flow in and out freely, reducing hydrostatic pressure on the foundation. Consider using flood barriers, flood doors, or floodgates to prevent water intrusion during floods. Design landscaping to facilitate drainage away from the house and prevent water from pooling around the foundation.
5. Waterproofing and Sealing: Ensure that the building envelope is properly sealed to prevent water infiltration during floods. Use waterproofing membranes, sealants, and coatings on exterior walls, foundations, and openings to provide an additional layer of protection against water intrusion.
6. Emergency preparedness: Include emergency preparedness features in the design, such as safe rooms or elevated refuge areas where occupants can seek shelter during floods. Provide access to higher ground or escape routes in case of evacuation during flood events.
7. Compliance with building codes and regulations: Familiarize yourself with local building codes, zoning regulations, and floodplain management ordinances to ensure compliance with flood-resistant design requirements. Work with engineers, floodplain managers, and other professionals to assess flood risk and develop appropriate design solutions for the specific site.

Through a keen integration of the above principles into the architectural design process, you can create homes that are better equipped to withstand floods and protect occupants and property from the devastating effects of flooding.