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Photo: Nicolas Abeles
Haifa floods
Photo: Nicolas Abeles

When it rains, it pours

Widespread fires in Haifa leave tons of surface contaminants including ash, mud and other foreign objects; Massive rainfall can cause drainage clogs and lead to widespread flooding, further damaging the city and surrounding environment.

With the fires that ravaged the city of Haifa now over, the threat of winter weather—including rain, thunderstorms and high winds—has experts warning that without adequate preparation, heavy rains can lead to flooding. The city has said it will examine the drainage systems and if necessary, provide pumping systems in case of flooding.

 

 

Professor Lea Wittenberg, an expert on forest fires and soil erosion from Haifa University, says, "In Haifa, due to impermeable surfaces—unlike open spaces—heavy rainfall isn't absorbed and becomes a flowing, urban river. After the recent fires, there is still a large amount of ash and other contaminants on the surface which can be swept into drainage and cause flooding, which can damage the drainage system and nature."

 

Floods in Haifa (Photo: Nahum Liebermann) (Photo: Nahum Liebermann)
Floods in Haifa (Photo: Nahum Liebermann)

 

According to Wittenberg, most areas in Haifa are covered with a layer that prevents rainwater from being absorbed into the ground, which causes surface runoff. Runoff can become flood water in normal conditions, but the added issue of surface contaminants from the fires makes matters worse.

 

Haifa after the fires    (צילום: אילן ברששת Ilan Barsheshet)

Haifa after the fires

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"This situation could lead to flooding and damage to areas burned and those adjacent to them as a result of the pollution load. This could increase runoff and urban erosion where the concern is damage to infrastructure, ecosystems, and contaminating the sea, where the water ultimately flows," warned Wittenberg.

 

David Luria, head of the Rehabilitation Administration, which was established in Haifa in order to deal with the damage caused by the fires, said that the city is prepared to deal with the winter weather, especially the difficult conditions caused by the fires. "As part of the preparations against erosion and contaminants which could make their way into the drainage systems, all drains were cleaned and treated by staff to ensure as much free flow as possible."

 

Luria added that in the Romema neighborhood, which was heavily affected by the fires, pumps and other sewage treatment equipment have already been brought in. Additionally, special tarps are being handed out by the city in an effort to prevent further rain damage to structures affected by the fires.

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.28.16, 23:09
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