Which symptom is a direct indication of flooding during sounding?

• A. Trickling of water
• B. Rushing air (Can also mean fire)
• C. Ringing bell
• D. Damp smell

Answer: (A)

Direct evidence of flooding when sounding is when water is actually present in the sounding line—so you hear or see water trickling into the tube. That physical sign confirms water has entered the space and is rising, which is the core indication you’re dealing with a flood in that compartment. The other signs are indirect or non-specific: a damp smell just signals moisture, not active flooding; rushing air could come from ventilation changes or a fire; and a ringing bell is an alert, not a measure of water in the space. So the trickling of water is the clear, immediate sign that flooding is occurring. If you notice it, treat the space as flooded and proceed with appropriate damage-control actions.