Floods are natural disasters that are unavoidable by humans and so it is pertinent to put in place measures that aim at minimising the risks and destructions that is wrought on humans and the environment as a whole. These measures include evacuation, rescue and finding temporary shelter for victims that may be displaced.
In developed countries of the west, the first antidote to the perceived damages is the accurate weather forecast systems. With knowledge of an impending disaster beforehand, people are prepared emotionally and psychologically as they brace themselves for possible impact. The major advantage at this stage is that evacuation can be more orderly and hence, more effective. With weather forecasts, people can also minimise their losses as moveable and precious belongings could be rescued long before impact. There is enough sensitisation of the general public on how to handle these emergencies and what they need to do until rescue arrives.
Some are taught in practical terms how they can help rescuers to find them easily. There have been cases where engineers will manipulate dams to serve as hastening the recession of the flood by channeling existing drainages into the ocean.
In developing countries where poverty is rife, there is always the reality of inadequate preparation and infrastructures to tackle flooding. Destruction is often on a larger scales and loss of human lives are also on higher scales than in the west because of improper town planning and drainages. Rescue in some of these developing countries that are still grappling with basic survival issues and amenities are practically non existent or inadequate. Sometimes, as aid from the west, teams of experts of search and rescue personnel are sent to assist and in most cases spearhead rescue operations.