Floods - Potential Problems & Solutions

Hawaii Ag Disaster Response 
Report disaster impacts, view statewide data, and find recovery programs for Hawai'i's agricultural producers.

Disaster Recovery Hub
Searchable database of disaster recovery and flood relief resources

Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) - Flood Resources 
The mission of EDEN is to reduce the impact of disasters through the aggregation of research-based resources and coordination to ensure these resources are readily available to the Cooperative Extension System, stakeholders and the communities they serve.

Short-Term Recovery

• Cleaning Up After a Flood (Minnesota)
• Flooding Fact Sheet (California)
• Managing Flood Risks on Farms (Connecticut)

Long-Term Recovery

• Starting Your Recovery Fact Sheet (FEMA)
• Flood Recovery Checklist (Dept.of Interior)

Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (Hawaii / CTAHR)

• Soild Testing on Farms and Gardens after Flooding (Vermont)

What to expect

• Soil testing: We will bring back comprehensive soil testing services, with upgraded lab capabilities, new equipment, and updated nutrient recommendations.
• Plant disease and insect identification: We will provide more services at relaunch with faster turnaround time for sample reports.
• New services: We will provide additional soil health testing that aligns with Natural Resources Conservation Service standards. This will help eligible local farms apply federal conservation payments and financial assistance programs.
• For the first time, we will accept secure, online credit card payments through the TouchNet system, providing a more convenient checkout experience.
• We will offer better shipping coordination with faster transit for samples arriving from Maui Nui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.

Contact your nearest Cooperative Extension Office if you have questions.

Brown Water Advisories (BWA):  During and after a Flood, the Department of Health issues on-going alerts as to the quality of the waters in streams, beaches and any flooded areas to alert residents, visitors and response personnel of possible bacteria and other pollutant hazards.  Sewage spills must be immediatedly reported by the responsible parties, warning signs posted, containment of spill done and water quality tested until water samples indicate safe levels.

Updated BWA reports can be found at the Clean Water Branch website   

• Preparing Food Without Power (Minnesota)
• Food Safety After a Flood (Kansas and Missouri)
• Managing Additional Stress Following Flooding (Iowa State)

Farm Food Safety for Flooded Farms (Cornell)

Evaluating the Safety of Flood-affected Food Crops for Human Consumption (FDA)

Information from "Plant Scientist":

Depending on the plant:  Plant growth can be affected by excessive moisture in the soil where oxygen levels are decreased and respiration is impeded in the plant roots which can suffocate and die with the buildup of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen gases.

Submerged leaves would affect the photosynthesis, inhibiting plant growth.

Plants stressed by excessive water are said to be prone to disease-causing organisms such as Fusarium spp, Phytophora spp. and Rhizoctonia solani affecting plant roots leading to diseases such as root and crown rot.

Post-Flood Livestock Health & Care Webinar 2026 (CTAHR)

Safe Water for Livestock After Flooding Event (CTAHR)

Hurricane Preparedness For Livestock (CTAHR) - Faculty contact information to be updated

Caring for Livestock During and After Flooding | (NDSU Agriculture)

Forage and Livestock Management after a Flood (West Virginia)

Caring for Animals During a Flood (Oregon)

Livestock Health after a Flood (Florida)

**How to use bleach to disinfect livestock water:(EPA)

Excerpts from "Do YOU have a plan for your livestock should disaster strike?" (USDA)

Prepare -- Get a Livestock Evaluation Kit

• Include feed, water, supplements, supplies (medications, rope/lariat, halters/leads, cleaning supplies, knives, etc.), and papers (veterinary records and proof of ownership).
• Review your kit regularly  to ensure contents, especially feed and medicines, are fresh.

Plan -- What You will do in an emergency

• Determine if you are able to evacuate (this should be based on the type of disaster and the safety and stability of the shelter).
• Determine where you will go if you have to leave (identify friends or relatives who could house livestock during the disaster, including fairgrounds or other livestock evacuation locations).
• Determine how you will evacuate (Decide how livestock will be transported/housed and prearrange an evacuation site)
• Designate a neighbor to tend to your livestock (This person should be familiar with your livestock, know your evacuation procedures, know where your evacuation kit is kept, and have  your emergency contact information).
• Make sure livestock has some form of identification (microchip, ear/leg tag, leg band, tattoo etc.).
• Have adequate food and water.  Provide clean water, non-moldy food