inundating

Inundating is a verb that describes the act of causing an area to be covered with water or of overwhelming something with a large amount or volume. The term derives from Latin inundāre, “to flood; to deluge,” with inundation as the related noun.

In hydrology and flood risk management, inundating refers to the process by which rising water overflows banks and covers land that is typically dry. This can result from heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, dam or levee breaches, storm surge, or coastal tsunamis. Inundated areas may experience temporary or longer-term flooding depending on rainfall intensity, topography, drainage, and precipitation duration.

Preventing and mitigating inundation involves hydrological modeling, floodplain mapping, and infrastructure such as levees, retention basins, pumping stations, and improved drainage. Emergency planning, zoning, and building codes aim to reduce the exposure of people and property to inundation.

In everyday language, inundating can also describe overwhelming a person, organization, or system with a large volume of work, messages, or requests. For example, a team might be inundated with inquiries after a product launch.