The phrase "overflowing river" refers to a river that has more water than it can hold within its banks, causing it to spill over and spread beyond its usual boundaries. Full definition
They disagree, however, on what should have been done differently to avert the flood.Coastal Road a Possible Culprit Local architect Serdar Demirkan pointed the finger at the construction of the Giresun coastal road and dam in the 1990s, saying that the road prevented rainwater and water from overflowing rivers from reaching the sea, the media - advocacy group Bianet reported. (treehugger.com)
This includes losses resulting from water overflowing rivers or streams, heavy or prolonged rain, storm surge, snow melt, blocked storm drainage systems, broken dams or levees, or other similar causes. (iii.org)
The heavy downpours overflowed rivers and prompted floods. (ncdc.noaa.gov)