Pluvial Flooding Impacts and Damage

Damage from pluvial flooding has been a major factor in recent significant flood events in Northern Ireland. In the 2007 and 2008 flood events it is estimated that 84% and 60% of the respective total economic damages were attributable to this source. Although generally localised, this type of flooding may be extended in duration through water being trapped in low lying areas, thus causing more damage to property and greater hardship to the people affected. A flood event caused by an artificial drainage system surcharge can also pose public health risks through foul water contamination.