What causes floods and how can we prevent them
Answers
In more densely populated areas the main cause for flood is due to improper management of drainage system. When plastic materials such as plastic bags are deposited in directly in the drainage system, they block the water flow during heavy rainfall which leads to urban floods.
Answer:
What Causes Floods?
The most obvious cause of floods is sudden, heavy rain – especially if the area’s infrastructure has not been properly designed for optimal run-off and drainage, or properly maintained. In South Africa, countless drainage systems are clogged with litter and debris. This is a problem that only the relevant municipalities can rectify, although it’s important for citizens to play their part by doing all that they can to minimise litter.
Flooding can also be brought about as a result of overflowing rivers, broken dams and a lack of vegetation.
How Can We Prevent Them?
When it comes to preventing floods, the focus needs to be on optimising town infrastructure. Careful town planning is a must. For starters, builders need to get permission from the relevant authorities before erecting any new structures which may affect stormwater management by blocking important waterways. The government also needs to strive to protect and cover drainage systems to prevent them from getting clogged and should ensure that they are properly cleaned out and maintained on a regular basis.
As citizens, we can also make a difference by planting trees, shrubs and grass. This type of vegetation aids in protecting land from erosion that can be caused by rapidly moving water. Large amounts of vegetation are important specifically for people residing in low-lying areas who may be worse affected by the strength of travelling flood water. The vegetation will help to counteract its power by breaking it up, hopefully before it can cause substantial damage.
It’s important that both the government and all South African citizens work together to help remedy the problems brought about by both droughts and flooding – and to do everything we possibly can to prevent these tragedies from occurring in the first place.