The word "淹没" is formed from the characters 淹 and 没. 淹 combines the water radical (氵) with the phonetic component 奄, conveying the idea of flooding. 没 similarly incorporates the water radical (氵) alongside the component 殳, contributing the sense of sinking or disappearing. When joined, these characters create a compound where both elements reinforce the meaning of being covered or overwhelmed by water, specifically to submerge or drown.