Flood Reports
Before entering into a contract for the purchase of property, you should ensure that the property is clear of matters that may potentially affect it. For this reason your lawyer could recommend for you to obtain a number of reports, including a ‘flood report’.
A flood is an overflow of water that merges over land that is usually dry. Flash flooding may occur from short intense bursts of rainfall, commonly due to thunderstorms.
According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology the flooding of rivers following heavy rainfall is the most common form of flooding in Australia. The flooding of rivers in inland areas can spread for thousands of square kilometres and can last for weeks to months. Flooding tends to occur more quickly in hilly or mountainous areas of these inland areas, as well as in rivers draining to the coast.
Flooding can occur in any part of Australia, though it is a particularly serious problem in urban areas where the drainage systems are sometimes not able to cope. Flash flooding tends to be quite local and it has been difficult to provide effective warning for such matters due to their rapid onset.
So how would a pre-purchase Flood Report benefit you?
Flood reports are issued to advise anyone concerned that flooding might occur or is expected to occur in a geographical area based on defined criteria.
The report may provide advance warning about the locations along river valleys where flooding is expected, the likely class of flooding, and when it is likely to occur.
These reports may enclose predictions about flooding in a certain area or may include a statement about future flooding that is more generalised in that certain area. These predictions are based on a number of factors including the river level data and the quality of real time rainfall information.
We note that flood-related deaths generally result from people attempting to walk, drive, swim or play in floodwaters. The depth and current of floodwaters are easily misjudged and have swept away and submerged large objects including vehicles and trees.
Accordingly, for safety reasons, and to reduce the chance of substantial later expense, we consider it beneficial to obtain a flood report, and highly recommend it.
